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In the Company of Theatre

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Summary

Chapter 18: In the Company of Theatre

Overview of Company Theatre

  • Definition: Professional companies of artists performing theatrical productions.
  • Historical Context: Flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, with roots in Parsi theatre in Mumbai.

Unique Features of Company Theatre

  • Team Dynamics: Included diverse roles such as actors, make-up artists, costume designers, and managers.
  • Family Involvement: Often entire families participated in performances and travel.

Decline of Company Theatre

  • Post-Independence Decline: The era of company theatres in India declined after Independence due to various factors:
    • Financial mismanagement of companies.
    • Rise of professional repertoires offering high-quality productions.
    • Advances in theatre techniques due to science and technology.

Notable Companies and Their Contributions

  • Parsi Natak Mandali: First Parsi theatre company, performed 'Roostum Zabooli' in 1853.
  • Surabhi Theatre: Established in 1885, known for family-oriented plays and innovative stage techniques.
  • Gubbi Company: Most famous theatre company in Karnataka, known for popular plays like 'Sadharame' and 'Subhadra'.

Popular Plays and Themes

  • Surabhi Theatre Plays: Known for magic, live VFX, and logic-defying feats.
  • Notable Works: 'Sri Krishna Leelalu', 'Jai Pathala Bhiravi', 'Bhakta Prahlada', 'Maya Bazar'.

Conclusion

  • Company theatre represents a rich tradition in Indian performing arts, showcasing the evolution and challenges faced over time.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of company theatre in India.
  • Identify popular company theatre groups and their contributions.
  • Analyze the decline of company theatre after Independence.
  • Recognize the unique features of company theatre productions.
  • Explore the historical significance of Parsi theatre in India.

Detailed Notes

Chapter 18: In the Company of Theatre

Concept of Company Theatre

  • Definition: Company Theatre refers to professional companies of artists who perform theatrical productions.
  • Historical Context: These companies were prevalent in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries but have largely declined in modern times.

Popular Companies and Their Decline

  • Early Companies: The first Parsi theatre company, 'Parsi Natak Mandali', performed its first play in 1853.
  • Notable Companies:
    • Surabhi Theatre: Established in 1885, known for family-oriented plays.
    • Gubbi Company: Famous in Karnataka, known for houseful shows.
  • Decline Factors:
    • Financial mismanagement of companies.
    • Rise of professional repertoires providing high-quality productions.
    • Advancements in theatre techniques due to science and technology.

Unique Features of Company Theatre

  • Inclusivity: Often included entire families, with roles ranging from actors to managers.
  • Cultural Impact: Influenced theatrical productions across India, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Examples of Popular Plays

  • Surabhi Theatre: Known for plays like 'Keechaka Vadha' and 'Maya Bazar'.
  • Gubbi Company: Popular plays included 'Sadharame', 'Subhadra', and 'Hemareddy Mallamma'.

Present Situation

  • Current Trends: The era of company theatres has seen a decline, but many professional theatre groups continue to thrive, adapting to modern audiences.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips for Company Theatre

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding the Concept of Company Theatre: Students often confuse company theatre with amateur theatre. Company theatre refers specifically to professional companies that perform theatrical productions.
  • Ignoring Historical Context: Failing to recognize the decline of company theatres post-Independence can lead to incomplete answers. It's crucial to understand the factors that contributed to this decline.
  • Overlooking Key Figures: Not mentioning significant contributors like Dr. Rajkumar and BV Karanth can weaken responses about the evolution of theatre in India.

Tips for Exam Preparation

  • Focus on Key Companies: Familiarize yourself with important theatre companies such as Surabhi Theatre and Gubbi Company, including their contributions and popular plays.
  • Understand the Evolution: Study the transition from company theatres to modern professional repertoires and how advancements in technology have influenced theatre.
  • Use Examples: When discussing the impact of company theatre, include specific examples of plays and their significance to enhance your answers.

Important Diagrams

Important Diagrams of Company Theatre

1. Artistic Illustration of a Theatre Face

  • Description: A stylized face with a colorful headdress.
  • Features:
    • Headdress decorated with circular patterns in green, yellow, and pink.
    • Traditional mask-like expression with ornamental features.

2. QR Code

  • Description: A matrix barcode consisting of black squares on a white grid.
  • Purpose: Encodes information readable by a QR scanner.

3. Group Photo of Theatre Ensemble

  • Description: A photo of people in front of a stage with colorful curtains.
  • Details:
    • Banner in a regional language with the name "Sriram Jaya Chandra Varma".
    • Individuals dressed in traditional and modern outfits, indicating a cultural event.

4. Traditional Performance Scene

  • Description: Individuals in elaborate costumes on stage.
  • Details:
    • Backdrop of painted clouds and a red curtain.
    • Costumes include ornate clothing with jewelry.

5. Theatrical Performance with Carriage

  • Description: Two people in traditional attire on stage with a horse-drawn carriage.
  • Details:
    • One person holding reins, another seated with a curved object.
    • Stage backdrop includes decorative pillars and drapes.

6. Historical Photograph of Theatrical Performance

  • Description: A group of people engaged in a theatrical performance.
  • Setting: Ornate architectural elements and traditional clothing.
  • Caption: "Parsi natak mandali" indicating a connection to Parsi theater.

7. Ensemble in Colorful Attire

  • Description: Actors dressed in colorful, traditional attire.
  • Backdrop: Vibrant curtains and an elaborate arch, indicative of a stage setting.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A. King Afrasiab

B. Roostum Zabooli

C. Keechaka Vadha

D. Maya Bazar

Correct Answer: B

Solution: The first play performed by the Parsi Natak Mandali was Roostum Zabooli.

A. They were self-sufficient in their requirements.

B. They only performed for royal patrons.

C. They focused on solo performances.

D. They avoided traditional themes.

Correct Answer: A

Solution: The theatre troupes in Kolkata were self-sufficient in their requirements, having various roles within the troupe.

A. They performed only in urban areas.

B. They included entire families in their performances.

C. They focused solely on modern themes.

D. They operated independently without any support.

Correct Answer: B

Solution: Company Theatres often included entire families, including children, as part of their performances.

A. Modern dramas.

B. Historical events.

C. Stories based on Hindu mythology.

D. International plays.

Correct Answer: C

Solution: Surabhi Theatre performed stories based on Hindu mythology, such as Keechaka Vadha.

A. Karnataka Nataka Mandali

B. Surabhi Theatre

C. Parsi Natak Mandali

D. Halasangi Nataka Mandali

Correct Answer: B

Solution: Surabhi Theatre was formed in 1885 and is noted as a family theatre company.

A. Increased interest in amateur theatre.

B. Lack of financial management in most companies.

C. The rise of international theatre companies.

D. Government regulations on performances.

Correct Answer: B

Solution: Many companies were not managed with the financial efficiency required, contributing to their decline.

A. Jai Pathala Bhiravi

B. Bhoumasura Vadhe

C. Kichaka

D. Bhakta Prahlada

Correct Answer: C

Solution: Kichaka was one of the popular plays performed by the Karnataka Nataka Mandali.

A. Karnataka Nataka Mandali

B. Surabhi Theatre

C. Halasangi Nataka Mandali

D. Parsi Natak Mandali

Correct Answer: B

Solution: Surabhi Theatre is known for using magic, live VFX, and logic-defying feats on stage.

A. The introduction of amateur theatre.

B. The development of high-quality professional repertoires.

C. The focus on traditional storytelling.

D. The elimination of family involvement in performances.

Correct Answer: B

Solution: The decline of Company Theatre led to the rise of many professional repertoires that provide high-quality productions.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt states that the Karnataka Nataka Mandali was established in 1874.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt confirms that the first Parsi theatre company performed its first play in 1853.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt states that Dr Rajkumar started his theatre career in a company.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt states that company theatres existed in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.

Correct Answer: False

Solution: The excerpt indicates that most companies were not managed with the financial efficiency required.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt states that Surabhi theatre plays are known for using magic, live VFX, and logic-defying feats on stage.

Correct Answer: False

Solution: The excerpt mentions a decline in company theatre and the rise of professional repertoires, indicating changes over time.

Correct Answer: False

Solution: The excerpt states that Surabhi theatre has survived for 138 years, indicating it has been in existence for more than 100 years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt mentions that the era of company theatres in India slowly declined after Independence.

Correct Answer: True

Solution: The excerpt states that the Gubbi Company was the most famous theatre company in Karnataka.

Descriptive Questions

Expected Answer:

Popular plays include 'Sri Krishna Leelalu', 'Jai Pathala Bhiravi', 'Bhakta Prahlada', and 'Maya Bazar'.

Detailed Solution: Popular plays include 'Sri Krishna Leelalu', 'Jai Pathala Bhiravi', 'Bhakta Prahlada', and 'Maya Bazar'.

Expected Answer:

Modern technology has upgraded theatre techniques, allowing for enhanced experiences in theatrical productions.

Detailed Solution: Modern technology has upgraded theatre techniques, allowing for enhanced experiences in theatrical productions.

Expected Answer:

The patronage of Maharajas provided financial support and encouragement for the performing arts, helping certain troupes to survive over the years.

Detailed Solution: The patronage of Maharajas provided financial support and encouragement for the performing arts, helping certain troupes to survive over the years.

Expected Answer:

Families, including children, often participated in the troupes, working together in various roles such as actors, make-up artists, and managers.

Detailed Solution: Families, including children, often participated in the troupes, working together in various roles such as actors, make-up artists, and managers.

Expected Answer:

Parsi theatre companies were among the first to perform plays across India, influencing theatrical productions and inspiring many other theatre forms.

Detailed Solution: Parsi theatre companies were among the first to perform plays across India, influencing theatrical productions and inspiring many other theatre forms.

Expected Answer:

Notable figures include Dr Rajkumar and BV Karanth, who both began their careers in company theatres.

Detailed Solution: Notable figures include Dr Rajkumar and BV Karanth, who both began their careers in company theatres.

Expected Answer:

Company theatres were professional companies of artists who performed theatrical shows and lived together, engaging in daily rehearsals and performances.

Detailed Solution: Company theatres were professional companies of artists who performed theatrical shows and lived together, engaging in daily rehearsals and performances.

Expected Answer:

Factors included financial mismanagement of companies and the rise of professional repertoires that provided high-quality productions.

Detailed Solution: Factors included financial mismanagement of companies and the rise of professional repertoires that provided high-quality productions.

Expected Answer:

The first Parsi theatre company, 'Parsi Natak Mandali', was known for its professional productions and performed plays like 'Roostum Zabooli' and 'Sohrab'.

Detailed Solution: The first Parsi theatre company, 'Parsi Natak Mandali', was known for its professional productions and performed plays like 'Roostum Zabooli' and 'Sohrab'.