Rwitobroto Mukherjee: We have to revive theatre culture and bring the audience back

The

unlock

phases since June have seen many sectors get back on track. But

theatre

has not seen any definite decision been taken in its favour.

Actor Rwitobroto Mukherjee

is upset with how theatre is being ignored in all this.


"The unlock phase has started long back and even films and TV shoots got a chance to roll again. There's no word on when can theatre workers begin to hear the third bell again. People are not wearing masks at tea stall addas, pandal hopping during Ganesh Chaturthi, not maintaining social distancing during political rallies and conducting pujas at temples amid small gatherings but only theatre workers are considered careless enough to not understand the guidelines while at work," said Rwitibroto.

But to bring about every change an effort is required. When asked if people involved in theatre have taken any step to reclaim their work, he said, "We have drafted a letter back in June and sent it to the government. But it's still pending with them. We didn't receive an answer yet. It's difficult for us because we need permission for the halls. Right now we are stuck in a rut."


The ardent theatre fans are waiting endlessly for good shows but Rwitobroto has a different take on the way theatre should be looked at. "Theatre is a mentality that is suffering a setback since months. It's different from cinema, which is all about people buying tickets to enjoy a particular show. But with this rate of lackadaisical attitude, sustaining this form of art will be difficult. We will again have to think of reviving the culture and bringing the audience back," said Rwitibroto.

What then does the new normal of online theatre mean for him? "Online theatre is a hoax. Theatre requires live audience engagement. It can't be recorded in an empty hall and presented later. Some of us are trying our best to start work with baby steps. There are speculations about how to perform in the post-pandemic era. But there are also open-space shows planned right now so that we don't have to wait for hall permission. Besides, these shows will be free of cost to begin with," he shared.