Marathi theatre takes centrestage in South Mumbai

Starting today, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan will host Marathi plays in this part of town, with the staging of Awishkar Productions' new play Maunraag

For decades, areas like Dadar, Ghatkopar, Vile Parle and Thane have remained nerve centres for Marathi theatre. South Mumbai didn't have a platform to showcase the state language. To fill this void, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Kala Kendra wing will host Marathi plays apart from performances in other languages. The first play to propel this cause will be Awishkar Productions' Maunraag, written by Mahesh Elkunchwar. Directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, the play features veteran Hindi and Marathi theatre and film actor Sachin Khedekar and Kulkarni. This play, which is based on eminent playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar's collection of essays by the same name, is an attempt to give a glimpse of Marathi language.

Since 1938, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has played a huge role in supporting performing arts. It has been a stage where several Indian actors, directors, playwrights and technicians have found fame and honour. Kala Kendra, the art wing of Bhavan's, has staged many plays reflecting India's cultural heritage keeping in time with the modern era, which is also one of the objectives of the institution.

Kamlesh Mota, Deputy Director of Programmes at Bhavan's, Chowpatty, speaks of this initiative -- "There are very few platforms, which offer space for parallel theatre to rise. At Bhavan's, we feel that young talent in Marathi theatre needs a boost." The management hopes that this step will draw theatre buffs in South Mumbai towards Marathi theatre.

On: Today, 7.30 pm onwards
At: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty.
Call: 23698085