Zulfia Shaikh traded stethoscope for scripts and is happily pursuing her passion in theatre. Her latest offering as director is Mozart Chocolates, a play that highlights the fragility of human life through the eyes of a woman
Theatre talk: Dr Zulfia Shaikh believes theatre has a social responsibility because it should stimulate the audience to think
Zulfia Shaikh traded stethoscope for scripts and is happily pursuing her passion in theatre. Her latest offering as director is Mozart Chocolates, a play that highlights the fragility of human life through the eyes of a woman
What's the most important message of the play?
It is the story of a woman who recounts the calendar of her life's events while going through her saree collection.u00a0 The play revolves around a woman's perception that is universal in its appeal. It deals with the transience and fragility of human life and the sense of belonging and returning to one's roots that exists among diasporic people.
Tell us briefly about the Bangalore School of Speech and Drama.
The Bangalore School of Speech and Drama (BSSD) was established in June 2001. It was born as the culmination of a quest to have a credible institute that would impart the knowledge and skills of communication and theatre. It is affiliated to the Trinity Guildhall College of Speech and Drama (London). I am qualified by the Trinity Guildhall College to teach communication skills not just in India but also in the UK and in Commonwealth countries.
Your thoughts on the relevance of theatre today...
Theatre is probably the oldest and most universal form of entertainment. It holds its integral place in all societies. Theatre is an exhilarating experience, which leaves every moment etched in your heart forever. The ovation when received at the curtain call is probably something every actor lives for.
Should theatre have a social responsibility?
Theatre like films reflects society but also plays a pivotal role in shaping it. As entertainers we owe it to our audience to ensure that they have a good time but as creative artistes it is also our responsibility to raise the bar and stimulate a thought process, which is just what Mozart Chocolates attempts to do.
As director, what has been your most challenging moment?
Directing a play is fraught with challenges right from interpretation to execution. However, in the Indian scenario making theatre financially viable seems to be the biggest challenge of all.
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What do you think of women directors in India?u00a0
Ours is a country where a woman can lead a nation, an organisation or a theatre group. There is no discrimination. I admire the work of directors like Arundhati Raja.
Where it's at
The Bangalore School of Speech and Drama founder cum director, Dr Zulfia Shaikh, presents Mozart Chocolates, a play written by Dr Ketaki Kushari Dyson, on January 20, 2009 at Ranga Shankara at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. She has not only directed the play but also plays a pivotal role on stage.u00a0
For tickets, call: 2659 2777 / 2649 4656. Tickets are priced at Rs 100.
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