The dictionary defines ‘Abhivyaktee’ as ‘expression’. Expressing oneself is primal, a need that cannot be ignored. Everyonefinds different platforms to voice their opinion. Theatre is a vibrantperforming art that attracts all kinds of individuals.
Abhivyaktee, a theatre group was founded 14 years ago bySaish Deshpande and his wife, Anagha to explore this form using differenttheatre elements without a fear of failure. As a part of this experiment,the group participated in ‘Tarang’ “ a multilingual children’s theatrefestival, few months earlier.
Saish says “We try and enact a 50-60 minute play every monthbased on a concept and a desire to experiment giving everyone the freedom tofail. The group is open to anyone who wishes to contribute with ideas and dosomething different.”
This year, to celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birthanniversary on May 7th, the Government of India through the Sahityakademideclared the ‘Tagore Commemoration Grant Scheme’. Making the most of thisopportunity, Abhivyaktee conceived, produced and executed ‘Tarang’ “ amultilingual children’s theatre festival, featuring four plays based on fourdifferent stories of Tagore at Kala Academy. The plays were written by fourdifferent writers, presented by four different theatre groups in four differentforms “ plays in Marathi, Hindi and Konkani and a Tiatr. Saish says “Till then,not a single play had been enacted on these four stories. The theatre groupshad complete freedom to make maximum use of the stage and lights. This festivalgot us four new scripts from Goan writers, four new directors from variousparts of the state and over 135 children from rural parts for this festival.
Interestingly, Abhivyaktee also works towards its concept ofusing theatre as a medium of personality development among children and youth.Theatre elements are used as a tool to express and emote clearly. Productionoriented workshops are conducted during summer and Diwali vacations. Theworkshop focuses on theatre skills along with a combination of music and dance,culminating in a fun filled multifaceted stage performance enacted on variousplatforms. The group is supported by the Directorate of Art and Culture and theGovernment of Goa for this theatrical endeavour.
The group is now attempting to collaborate with few theatregroups from Kolhapur. Plans for a theatre festival in November on the eve ofChildren’s Day are being discussed. Abhivyaktee is undoubtedly running anexcellent show as it fearlessly experiments on stage.
