Prithvi Theatre, Juhu (Tara Bhatnagar)

Prithvi Theatre, established in 1978, is one of the most intimate and artsy icons in Mumbai - a real treat for theatre lovers. Walking down Juhu Tara road, one can rarely spot the lane that turns into this modern ‘paradise’, but once you get there, the smell of Irish coffee is too tempting to resist. The contrast between the bustling city and the inviting, unhurried pace of Prithvi captivates you almost immediately, and before you know it, you are a part of this overwhelming experience.

Shashi Kapoor started the theatre, and dedicated it to Prithviraj Kapoor, and his wife, Jennifer Kendel – both of whom shared a passion for theatre and wanted to keep alive the dream of Prithviraj Kapoor. The theatre initially began as a travelling theatre under the guidance of Prithviraj Kapoor in 1944, and their first performance was Kalidasa’s classic play, Shakuntala. Following this, many more performances, with the oldest Kapoor in the lead, took place all over India for sixteen years and many famous playwrights began scripting plays, especially for this theatre group. However, before Kapoor fully realised his dream of providing a special platform for theatre, he died, leaving behind a vision for encouraging contemporary Hindustani theatre in India.

Shashi Kapoor inaugurated Prithvi Theatre on November 5, 1978 and the first play staged there was G.P Deshpande’s ‘Majma’s Udhwashth Dharamshala.’ Years after the death of Jennifer Kendell, Prithvi has been under the care of her children, Sanjana and Kunal Kapoor. Three generations down the line, Prithvi Theatre, still remains a hub for massive play production, and the efforts to develop the place to suit the modern youth have not gone to waste. The Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust and Researchers Foundation has, over the last five years, initiated various activities, such as – the founding of the Prithvi plays, activities for children and the Prithvi gallery. What also engages the visitors, is the Prithvi Café book store in the corner of the hub. Jalal Mortezai, a 24 year old Pilot and frequent Prithvi visitor says, “Prithvi Theatre is memorable for me. I have watched plays there from the time I was a kid. My favourites include ‘The Vagina Monologues’ and ‘The Boy who stopped Smiling.’ I have also actively participated in the various workshops they offer for children and adults alike. They encourage young talent and this is where the love for theatre can be encouraged.”  The Prithvi festival is another attraction, conducted annually, and it encourages not only local but national and international themes. Farzana Gabuji, an interior designer and a theatre enthusiast says, “The Prithvi Festival is very intellectually stimulating. One does not just watch a play but actively participates in the various discussions that take place post the performance – the audience matters!”

What is most intriguing about Prithvi is the stage on which performances take place. The circular stage placed in the centre of the hall, with the seating arranged in a semi-circular fashion around the stage reminds one of the ancient theatres in Rome, only smaller. The audience sitting at the bottom most rung is closest to the actors and the experience of witnessing the play at such a distance is exhilarating. The last performance I had the chance to watch was the Motley production of ‘Waiting for Godot’, starring Naseeruddin Shah, the effects of which I am still reeling under. 

The general vibe of the theatre brings about the real essence of the art like scene taking place in Mumbai. The crowd consists of the kurta-wearing, chai-drinking public alongside the jeans and t-shirt wearing, college going youth. The food is simply mouth-watering and one can spend hours just gazing at the sights and sounds that Prithvi has to offer. This is one Mumbai icon, which every Mumbaikar should visit at least TWICE in their life. So board the next Santacruz local and get ready for a truly fascinating experience.

Bibliography:

Internet Sources:
http://www.indianetzone.com/2/prithvi_theatre.html

http://www.junglee.org.in/theatre.html