Neighbourhood auditoriums, a solution to theatre space-crunch, bring more drama in to the city life

The ongoing Motley Festival at Prithvi Theatre has left many heartbroken. The revival of their very first play—Waiting for Godot, scheduled for this weekend—had everyone dashing to the theatre for tickets only to discover that the shows are house full. But there is hope. In September, this landmark play will be staged at the NCPA Experimental Theatre and BN Vaidya Auditorium, Dadar East.

The latter space may not ring a bell with theatre regulars. But this squeaky-clean auditorium has just been just renovated and can accommodate 600 viewers. That seems to be a big enough draw for Naseeruddin Shah and group members to perform in this Dadar neighbourhood. Obviously, their presence will be the biggest publicity that this auditorium, nestled in Hindu Colony, can hope for.

“This place used to be a theatre hub in the late 1950s. After Shivaji Mandir opened in Dadar West and Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium in Matunga, theatre activities waned here. Those places offered better facilities than us then,” says trustee Satish Naik. For years, this space was reduced to a venue for marriage receptions, barring some stray stage shows and rehearsals. “We want to change that now and revive its old identity,” he says. Its proximity to the Dadar station and Wadala should help in bringing audiences while the newly introduced air-conditioning, better seating arrangement as well as the light and sound system should attract theatre groups.

BN Vaidya Auditorium is not the only place to re-establish its identity by opening its doors to theatre groups.

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