GUWAHATI, March 28 � Noted actor, playwright and director Mahananda Sarma, while observing on the quality of the plays that have been presented by some of the mobile theatre groups of the State, regretted that theatre viewing has of late been reduced to cheap entertainment.
Sarma, who was the Guest of the Month at the Guwahati Press Club here on Wednesday, stressed the need for retaining the standard in the thematic front as well in the presentation of the plays so that the young generation gets healthy entertainment and also become aware about the social issues.
�Of late, the role of mobile theatre has become restricted. Instead of creating the ambience for quality theatre, they are giving in to the demand for cheap entertainment,� rued Sarma, adding that the dearth of good plays has to be filled in. He said that the producers will have to change their mindset and encourage budding playwrights who have immense creativity.
�Our producers accept plays coming from established writers. And unfortunately, we have only a few reputed names who are into writing plays. So what we have seen in the last few years is shortage of quality plays,� mentioned Sarma.
Sarma, apart from voicing his concern over the present scenario in theatre, expressed that the theatre movement in the State has got an impetus from the amateur groups that have caught the attention of theatre lovers as well as critics. Showering praises on the amateur groups, Sarma said that by giving importance to quality and by their commitment to the social issues, the amateur groups have succeeded in creating the right kind of ambience for theatre viewing.
Sarma, during his interaction with the media persons, also presented some snatches of performance from his earlier plays and enthralled everyone. It needs to be mentioned here that this person has endeared himself to thousands of theatre lovers across the length and breadth of lower Assam through his powerful acting.
People still remember his acting prowess that had reached its zenith in the plays like Kabuliwala, Chandra Grahan, Saru Bowari, Karagar, etc. Beginning his journey in this field with inspiration from individuals like Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Natasuryya Phani Sarma and Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Sarma has acted in 400 plays. He has also acted in a few Assamese films and directed around 300 plays.
