In the computer age where cartoon characters and animations are fast gaining the popularity as the prime entertainers, there are a few organisations that are helping age-old methods of entertainment not only sustain but also flourish and gain momentum. Maharashtra Cultural Centre (MCC), with a motive to promote long and effective theatrical scripts has organised Deerghanka competition on January 2, 3 and 4, 2009 at Sudarshan Rangamanch.

"Deerghankas are plays that are lengthier than usual 40-minute plays and smaller than the long three hour plays. The average duration for a Deerghanka lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and its composition is different from a regular play. What makes the Deerghanka different from a short play and a regular play is the ease with which it can be presented concentrating more on the technical aspects like script and presentation rather than concentrating on time limits," says Shubhangi Damle, coordinator, MCC.

Open for all, the competition includes prizes worth Rs 50,000 in categories such as acting, writing, music, light effects and set design. This is also the only competition in Maharashtra to promote Deerghanka. "In today's fast paced world, where people are running away from good scripts due to time constraints, competitions like this need to be organised to encourage them to write effective and challenging scripts. The advantage of Deerghanka is that once successful they can be extended and made into a full length play," says Damle.

In its fifth year, the competition has been the place to showcase countless plays some of which have made a mark in the commercial theatre as well. "To name a few, plays like Loose control, Final draft and Davedar that have been successful even commercially have been the winners of Deerghanka competition at Sudarshan Rangmanch. Manomilan, a similar Deerghanka has also been extended into a commercial play and presented by well known actor Ashok Saraf," adds Damle.

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