Established in 1999, Thespo began as an initiative to showcase youth theatre by people below the age of 25, from across the country. Today, it is in its 19th year, where the group has gone an extra mile by bringing on board young talent from across the world.
“When we started, it was only about showcasing work, but more recently, the focus has been on building a community of young theatre people from around the country and world, working together,” says Quasar Padamsee, founder of the festival.
Out of 182 theatre groups that sent their entries for the festival, 11 were shortlisted. And in addition to these 11 plays, there are two curated ones by Matthew Wasser, an American director, and Renato Rocha, a Brazilian director, as well as four band performances.
Talking about the main attractions of the festival, Quasar quickly explains the four full-length plays that are completely fresh stories. “Mrig-Trishna is about a eunuch and his/her crisis of faith, as well as the wait for answers from God. Khatara, from Ahmednagar, talks about issues farmer face, like dowry and drought, among other issues. Main, Mera Baaja, Aur Woh is about a young boy who falls in love with a voice on the radio, and instead of writing, he records his letters and puts them on the radio. Then, Trikon ka Chautha Kon? is about plagiarism,” lists Quasar, adding that Matthew will be hosting a workshop and training on the use of technology in theatre.
Working on the idea to build a community of young people from across the world, the founder talks about the two curated plays and how they will open new ways for the youth.
“Mathew, the American video director, has created a play Esteban's Village, using technology with actors present in Guwahati, Pune and Delhi. It is an experiment and the aim is that one day technology will allow young people to create work from places where they are not able to reach and tell different stories,” smiles Quasar.
The second play The World That Crosses You, by Renato, is with a group of Indian actors assigned by Thespo to create a 45-minute show.
What really surprises Quasar is how these young people are writing on subjects that are a matter of concern in the society at the moment, and their awareness.
“They are looking deep and engaging with the subject. Whether it is about gender identity in Mrig-Trishna or about women’s issue in Draupadi or addressing the farmer's issue. Even the play by Renato is about freedom of speech and expression,” he laughs.
This leaves the theatre director delighted and happy about the future these young talents. “Where are the love stories, the coffee shop romance? As a theatre maker I am pleased, jealous and quite amazed at the stuff they are talking about. I have great faith in their future,” he signs off. The festival, which will take place at Prithvi Theatre and Little Theatre at NCPA, and will go on till Sunday has theatre groups from Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmednagar, Mumbai and Bengaluru performing.
