Top 5 Places for Theatre Enthusiasts In Mumbai
There is no time like the present for theatre enthusiasts in Mumbai. With productions cropping up all over the city and multiple venues opening up their gates for upcoming artists and directors, the Mumbai theatre scene (pun intended) is booming like never before. Below is a list of five places that present day theatre lovers include in their go-to list.
1. Prithvi Theatre, Juhu
Founded by legendary actor Sashi Kapoor, in memory of his father Prithviraj Kapoor, Prithvi theatre has been the seat of some of the best plays in Mumbai’s theatre history. It stands as a perfect amalgamation of the past and the present. Also home to a quirky cafe, Prithvi theatre attracts people across all ages and cultures and has become synonymous with the theatre scene in Mumbai.
About:
Prithvi Theatre is a subsidiary of the Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust & Research Foundation. The Trust was set up in 1975 in the memory of Prithviraj Kapoor, to achieve the following aims:
– to build a theatre to promote professional Hindi theatre primarily, with all technical facilities available
– subsidising and promoting aspiring and deserving stage artists, technicians, researchers etc.
– managing a theatre of international standards – hosting and conducting workshops
– providing rehearsal and workshop spaces
– creating a theatre resource center and research library (under construction)
– providing medical and educational assistance to theatre workers and their children.
The Prithvi Theatre is a completely non-profit entity depending on the patronage of individuals and companies committed to the development of the performing and fine arts. Since its inception it is these sponsors who have enabled the theatre to grow and expand its activities.
2. NCPA, Nariman Point
With five theatres and plenty of open space, NCPA is one of the largest venues in the city and has a variety of events and plays to suit every palette. It was inaugurated in 1969 and has been since its inception, one of India’s premier cultural hubs. It hosts over 600 events annually and has been a witness to some of the greatest plays by national and international artists. This vast theatre stands as a testimony of the city’s love for theatre and was the brain-child of JRD Tata and Dr. Jamshed Bhaba.
3. Canvas Laugh Club, Lower Parel
Originally started as a comedy company to promote upcoming stand-up comedians, Canvas Laugh Club today is also home to many upcoming theatre productions. It is a good place to catch beginners and pros alike, thanks to their wide array of plays. Thanks to venues like these, Mumbai’s if not India’s upcoming artists have a platform to perform.
4. The Cuckoo Club, Bandra
An extension of the cultural hub The Hive in Khar, The Cuckoo Club was opened with the dream to give upcoming artists a place to perform. The Hive and The Cuckoo Club are the places where contemporary art and culture are encouraged and nurtured. This is your place to go if you are on the lookout for some new-age theatre.
5. St. Andrew’s, Bandra
This college auditorium is a spot for some of the most happening plays in town. Open to new-age genres of theatre, St. Andrew’s is one place theatre enthusiasts cannot miss. Theatre stalwarts like Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak and Anupam Kher have opened shows in this very auditorium. Apart from hosting other events, St. Andrew’s also opens its gates for veterans and budding artists of the theatre alike.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today and venture into the beauty that is Mumbai theatre.
Content Courtesy – Bodhirupa Saha
