In sharp contrast, a novice in the theatre world depends on passes for an audience. To compete with well-known theatre repertories, a small group which foraysonto stage cannot afford to run a play just on tickets. Simply because people will not buy them. Hence to sustain their performances such theatre groups depend on word-of-mouth publicity.

Even if they dare to present a ticketed show, they limit the cost to a very low level. Unlike famous theatre groups, who sell tickets for as much as Rs 1,000, such theatre groups are likely to sell tickets for a maximum of Rs 100 that is, at least, at one-tenth the cost of famous theatre groups.

The prices also classify the language of theatre. An English play is priced higher than a Hindi one. Exceptions occur when a film star is a part of the cast or a celebrated director is in charge of a Hindi play. Says a theatre regualar, Anu Treohan: ``There is not very good Hindi theatre. You find the best stars in English theatre. And as a theatre addict, I would never like to wait for a pass. If I can afford to buy a ticket then why not. Moreover, it is worth buying tickets and watching theatre comfortably.''

According to theatre critic Kavita Nagpal, the concept that people watch theatre only when they have passes is incorrect. ``People buy tickets to see a play,'' she affirms. And the crowd for English theatre is more because ``it is seen as culturally correct'' to be a part of this medium. This, it seems, is found missing in Hindi theatre.

Nagpal told Express Newsline: ``The rates for a Hindi play range between Rs 25 and Rs 30.'' But she believes that a theatre company has no other choice but to sell tickets since this is the only source of income for them.

However, Monu Kapai, a school student involved in his school theatre, does not want to waste money on Hindi plays. He would want to go and watch a play if it is similar to Tumhari Amrita, starring Shabana Azmi and Farookh Sheikh.

``I am more interested in English musical plays,'' he says. ``In fact, I spent so much money on doing so. My parents also prefer watching English plays and all of us go together and buy tickets.'' If someone, however, offers a pass to Kapai, he takes it. And if it is a big English production he goes to view it -- at once. Or else waits for the play's review.

The former director of the National School of Drama (NSD), Kirti Jain, agrees that the success of a play depends on the casting and the quality of the play. ``Everybody wants to see a good play. If big celebrities form the cast, in Hindi or in English, then people are ready to shell out money.'' She talks about the show, presented by Natrang theatre, Waiting for Godot, that featured Naseeruddin Shah. ``The play publicised Natrang and thereafter the weekend theatre which it started in Chittranjan Park was a success,'' recalls Jain.

She, however, holds that the ticket rates should be limited within a bracket so that more people can purchase them. ``For middle-class tickets become an issue,'' she says.

But for Priyanjali Pillai, an MBA student, waiting in lines to watch a good show, maybe starring Rahul Bose and company is not a bad idea. ``If someone tells me about a good play, which might not feature big names, and gives me a pass, I won't mind going.''