Theatre, in many ways, has shaped the current world and the lives of people. The day is commemorated to raise the importance of theatre arts, their position in the sphere of entertainment, and the transformation that theatre brings to people’s lives.
Also, theatres are a mixture of different genres and different languages, which encourages multi-culturalism. This year marks the 60th anniversary of World Theatre Day.
Theatre was part of art from time immemorial. Shakespeare to Mrinal Sen, every person looked up to theatre as a means of communication, to communicate their message. Theatre has always played an important role in mass communication and also in the sphere of entertainment. World Theatre Day is celebrated on 27th March.
And the main goal of commemorating this day is to give out some messages. This years’ message is shared by Peter Sellars, Opera, Theatre, and Festival director (USA). “Theatre and Culture of Peace”, is the message conveyed by him. As the world slips into the atrocities, it is theatre that can bring change by creating awareness and consciousness among people.
On this day, we bring you some of the plays that are must-watch to entertain and educate yourself. See them below-
Krishnan’s Dairy (1997)
Krishnan’s Dairy explores the world of a Malayali immigrant in New Zealand and his relationship with his wife. Both characters, Krishnan and Zeena, are played expertly and believably by Jacob Ranjan, who alternates through the use of masks. Rib-tickling humor and thrills are guaranteed.
Ebong Indrajit (1963)
If you are ever caught in an existential crisis in life, Badal Sircar’s Ebong Indrajit is the play to watch. Badal Sircar was the pioneer in performing anti-establishment theatre during the 1970s and extending the proscenium to public spaces. The play captured the “loneliness of post-independence urban youth with dismaying accuracy”. It is an absurd play and like all absurd plays, lacks a rational or coherent plot.
Macbeth (1606)
One of the classic plays of William Shakespeare. This tragedy is dealt with the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power. This drama has been many times adapted to movies. But the original piece still remains unmatched work of art.
Waiting for Godot (1948)
Waiting for Godot is Beckett’s translational play from his original French-language play. En attendant Godot, is a tragicomedy in two acts. It was directed by Roger Blin and premiered in Babylon, Paris. The play is about the absurdity of the modern world and the existential crisis during the two World wars. The two characters Vladimir and Estragon, in a variety of discussions and encounters, while awaiting the titular Godot, who never arrives.
Pygmalion (1913)
The play is written by George Bernard Shaw, named after the Greek mythological figure. It was premiered at the Hof burg Theatre in Vienna. The play has been adapted into many films. The play mostly deals with professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Higgins takes up the challenge of transforming Eliza into a beautiful lady while changing her speaking accent. But at last, Eliza is left to go nowhere.
