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The development of Modern Theatre in
India may be attributed to a change in the political set up in
India. The 200 years of the British rule brought the Indian
theatre into direct contact with the western theatre. The seeds of
Modern Theatre were sown in the late 18th century, with the
consolidation of British power in Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu. It was in the thriving metropolises of Bombay, Calcutta and
Madras that they first introduced their brand of theatre, based on
London models. The initial purpose of the British, while
introducing Modern Theatre in India was to provide entertainment
for the British soldiers and citizens trying to acclimatize
themselves to a foreign country. For the first time in India, the
writing and practice of theatre was geared fully towards realistic
or naturalistic presentation. The themes also underwent a drastic
change. They were no more woven around big heroes and gods, but
had become a picture of common man. Initially most dramatic works
were composed in three languages - Bengali, Tamil and Marathi.
But later plays began to be written in other languages like
Kannada, Gujarati, Hindi, Oriya, Urdu and English. |
