Notes on In the Company of Theatre
Concept of Company Theatre in India
- Definition: Company theatre refers to professional groups of artists performing theatrical productions. These troupes existed primarily during the 18th to 20th centuries in India, characterized by their self-sufficiency and collaborative living.
- Structure: Typically, a theatre company would include a diverse team consisting of make-up artists, costume designers, actors, dancers, singers, writers, managers, and more. Often, these groups were like families, with members traveling together to perform.
- Historic Significance: The establishment of company theatre marked a significant development in Indian performing arts, particularly in major cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. In Kolkata, these groups emerged as early as the late 1700s.
Popular Companies and Their Decline
- Early Groups: One of the first noted theatre companies was the Parsi Natak Manḍali, which performed its debut in 1853. These Parsi theatre groups spread their influence across India, showcasing plays that resonated with local audiences.
- Prominent Troupes:
- Gubbi Company: Known for popular plays in Karnataka, this company featured actors who later became legends like Dr Rajkumar.
- Surabhi Theatre: Formed in 1885, it is esteemed for integrating Hindu mythological stories into their performances and is among the few surviving companies today.
Contributions to Theatre
- Innovations: Companies like Surabhi Theatre incorporated unique techniques like magic and live VFX into their performances, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.
- Cultural Impact: The stories told by these companies not only amused audiences but also preserved and represented cultural norms, traditions, and values of their respective regions. The tales often had moral and historical significances.
Factors Contributing to Decline
Despite the vibrant past, company theatres began to decline post-Independence due to several reasons:
- Financial Struggles: Many theaters faced challenges in managing finances efficiently, affecting sustainability.
- Emergence of Cinema: The advent of the movie industry provided stiff competition, appealing to wider audiences with novel engaging techniques. This shift diverted audiences away from live theatre productions.
- Changing Audience Preferences: As societal norms evolved, theatre faces difficulty in keeping content appealing to family audiences; companies often resorted to humor that was not universally liked.
- Rise of Amateur Theatre: The convenience and accessibility of amateur theatre or Havyasi theatre gained popularity, making it tougher for professional groups to thrive.
- Modern Advancements: With the development of technology in theatre production, the standard and expectations for performances changed, leading companies unable to modernize facing a loss in patronage.
Conclusion
Today, while the distinct concept of company theatres may not thrive as before, the legacy of these groups continues to influence Indian theatre. The transformation into modern theatre forms and companies reflects how artistic expression has adapted over time. The history of company theatres is an integral part of India's cultural tapestry.