Is The Theatre a Temple?
Viraf Pocha
Look at any Construction Trend since civilisation began. After inventing the wheel man learnt how to move and rearrange stone, brick and wood to create a comfortable and protected home.
Compare Homes, Offices and Hospitals of that time to what we are building today.
Amazing Developments.
Now look at Theatres. I have seen many Theatres built thousands of years ago with better acoustics, backstage space, set making facilities than many spaces that are being built today.
There are some Ancient theatre’s that can have their centre well flooded with water to provide atmosphere. There is a Theatre in Israel (Built in Roman Times) which has a section where commodes are laid out (downwind) so play goers could relieve themselves and not miss a moment of action.
There are theatres in Rome that Built Concession stands to sell Nuts and Cool drinks along the passages that patrons took to reach their seats.
One sad fact I seem to have noticed – But don’t have data to back it up. Of all the theatres that I have been involved with, in building – Not One of them had a Theatre Artist in their core team. Mind you they had may ‘consultants’. Sadly a huge amount of the consultant’s advice was ignored.
The Roman Coliseum has an underground network of lifts to move heavy props and wild animals into the middle of the amphitheatre. And a drainage system to clean the blood off its vast central arena.
Drawings exist of the central arena made up to look like tropical forests, running rivers and abstract Rock Placement to spice up the gladiator contests.
Pompii has an entire school to train Gladiators to fight so that the bots were entertaining and the ladies could enjoy muscled men stretching themselves in the pursuit of something extraordinary.
Which Theatre today can you think off that can host these spectacles.
British National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre and Indeed Mumbai’s Tata Theatre have more in common with Roman Theatre Design than anything built this century.
The Globe Theatre in London was authentically re-created with identical material almost 400 years after it was originally conceived. It is still Open air – so the standing Room fans and indeed the actors are open to the weather. Rain Snow and sun. While the Seated areas are covered with thatch.
To This day very Little Artificial Light or Sound Equipment is allowed into the space. Yet It hosts a packed season of shows every summer.
In India – even though we have a great tradition of the performing arts, very few ancient theatres exist. Understandable, cause most traditional activity was dance or music based. Usually staged within a Temple’s premises.
Which explains why very few traditional performances have large casts.
Our Epics - both the Ramayana & the Mahabharata have huge casts and most of the older cities have a designated Ram Lila maidan where the epics are produced every year at festival time.
Today vast amounts of electronic equipment are used in today’s productions. I wonder how Ram or indeed Ravaan projected their stories to the back rows of a maidan before mikes were invented.
Of Course the final burning scene does not need any additional Lights or sound to underline the drama.
Why am I going on?
To remind Theatre designers today, of what they are missing.
Look at the delightful Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. Look at all the activity and energy it packs into its tiny space.
I am sure all of us have walked through spaces that are many times its size but don’t have even a shred of its energy and dynamism.
Another fact is that most auditoriums – even those used for professional performances are attached to educational institutions.
Way Back in the 1940’s English language Theatre in Mumbai was born on the stage and quadrangle (some include the canteen) of St. Xavier’s College.
Its panelled walls and stone courtyard still a favourite of film makers. Sadly does not host as much theatre activity as I personally would like to see.
Fans of Malhar Festival and Janfest. Why are you not demanding more?
I am sure similar festivals exist around the country. May they grow and get as many students involved into the arts as you can. In any capacity. In any form.
So many legends exist in how Theatres were built.
In Oslo the Opera House is designed for patrons to walk up onto its roof to enjoy the view.
In another Scandinavian country (Apologies forgetting the Tongue Twisting Name) the theatre designers insisted on installing a seamless scrim that stretches across its entire rear wall.
So the building was completed – without a roof. A Crane dropped the screen in place (as there was no way for it to be brought in any other way. And then the roof was assembled over the building. A Unique enterprise and definitely on my Bucket List of places to visit.
Come On Theatre designers – Get inspired.
One sad fact I seem to have noticed – But don’t have data to back it up. Of all the theatres that I have been involved with in building – Not One of them had a Theatre Artist in their core team. Mind you they had may ‘consultants’. Sadly a huge amount of the consultant’s advice was ignored.
Some of the premier theatres of this country that have had crores spent on them are handicapped with amateur flaws.
You will have to buy me a drink if you want to know details. And I will buy you a drink to drown your sorrowful stories of spaces and flaws you know of that I have not found.
Performances spaces are sacred. Especially for the performer. An inspired LIVE performer can produce a performance that moves an audience.
A LIVE Performance space MUST be built for a performer. Of Course audience comfort is important. The current debate of how many Ladies Toilet stalls as compared to Gents Toilet stalls as a ratio to liquid refreshments sold before and during a performance are important factors.
But to build a rake stage so that every seat can see every corner of the stage is perhaps more important.
It’s like when you go to a temple.
Isn’t it important for the deity to be comfortable in its home?
Isn’t it important for the sinner skulking in the back rows to hear the sermon?
Isn’t it important to know that your footwear is safe while you go barefoot into the inner sanctum?
In the theatre you must feel safe in the shadows as the performer creates an alternate universe for you to be sucked into and experience through his words and expressions.
Isn’t that Like Reading the Gita or the Koran or the Bible?
To experience Life’s choices open out within You.
So the next time you visit a Theatre be as exacting as you are while visiting a Temple.
Here’s Wishing You Fulfilling Journeys to Both. Temple & Theatre.
THINK