Time for a Break

This year,however,it will be a different story. For the second consecutive year,this theatre hub in suburban Juhu won’t be hosting a festival as the theatre will remain shut for renovation. Last year,Prithvi Theatre brought in British group Complicite’s A Disappearing Number in August. Hosting a play of this magnitude had left the Prithvi team exhausted. Instead of a full-fledged festival,the theatre had offered a day-long “carnival” involving the city’s theatrewallahs.

Sanjna Kapoor,the director of Prithvi Theatre,recently announced that they are in the process of assessing the status of the building at Prithvi Theatre. “As things stand now,we need to undergo the repair and maintenance of the building that needs immediate attention in November as soon as the monsoon is well and truly over,” said Kapoor. “What this means is that we will not be able to host the Prithvi Theatre Festival this year. It also means that we have to put all our plans on hold till we have more clarity on the issue of the building and possible work required on it,” she regretfully added.

The Prithvi Theatre Festival was first held in 1983. It has since grown to become one of the biggest events on Mumbai’s cultural calendar. In the past,the theatre has at times hosted theme-and personality-based festivals. But on most occasions,it has chosen to simply celebrate the theatre tradition of the city,country and even that of other nations.

The theatre — built by Jennifer and Shashi Kapoor in memory of Prithviraj Kapoor—was inaugurated on November 5,1978. Architect Ved Segan had worked closely with Jennifer to construct this intimate space that changed the way people watched plays. However,over the years it has suffered much wear and tear,in spite of regular repairs.

Shaili Sathyu of the theatre group Gillo Gilhari,says,“The festival will be sorely missed.” However,she advises to look at the practical aspect of this decision. “In past decades,the physical limitation of this theatre space has been stretched beyond its size,” she adds. Prithvi is the only auditorium in the city that holds shows everyday,barring Monday when it remains closed. Even though it’s much smaller in size compared to National Centre for Performing Arts,Nariman Point,this iconic space is always buzzing with activities. It also accommodates a book store and a cafe,apart from the main auditorium.

Working Title’s Jaimini Pathak agrees with Sathyu. “Prithvi Theatre too,has nuts and bolts which need attention.” He sees the renovation plan as a symbolic act of strengthening its activities. “It’s better that they take a break now,instead of suffering any significant damage.”

As Prithvi Theatre takes a breather to assess its condition and emerge stronger,the theatre-lovers of Mumbai will be missing their annual dose of drama.