 The Tradition of Indian Theatre started about 2000 years ago. Till the 12th/13th century of the Vikram Era, sanskrit plays were performed in the temples and places of Gujarat. Therefore, they did not reach the masses. Accordingly the tradition of the Sanskrit theatre did not percolate into Gujarati theatre.
The Gujarati folk plays were performed without curtains. With the passage of time the backdrop appeared. The stage was raised and torches were lit for illumination. The English introduced the front curtain. For the entertainment of the English officials, Italian and Russians artistes performed operas. The parsis were inspired by these performances and they started theatre groups. The writers, directors and artistes were Parsi, but the language of their play was Gujarati.
After the historical tussle between the owner of the Parsi theatre group and his Gujarati accountants Mumbai Gujarati Natya Mandali was established in 1878. Plays were performed before full houses and thus started golden age of Gujarati Theatre.
Preparations were going on to please the perceptive audience, creches and cradles were organized so the young mothers could peacefully watch the play. Announcements were made that the play was a 'Family entertainer'. The evening was illuminated by glittering lights. The ardent lovers of theatre were excited. The curtain went up. The play started, events unfolded, songs resonated till the dawn and the audience kept screaming Once more for more than twenty times.
Master Fulmani pays a tribute to the writers, artistes, directors and the technicians as well as the appreciative audience of the Golden Age of Gujarati theatre that was.
say once more please...
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