Campaign

I want to share something important with you.

I am launching a project called MAATI SE RANGMANCH, with the message: Small Theatre, because small is beautiful.

We often fail to notice the small things because, in this age of automation, we believe we are very big. We are living in a violent era, surrounded by aggression and noise. I feel it is time to return to our roots.

Today, many theatre practitioners depend on big producers to fund their plays. But why? Art has never depended on anyone. In every era, the role of art has been to raise questions, awaken people, make them think, and spread love. Kabir ji did this. Buddha did the same. Rumi did the same. Every Sufi saint followed this path. They did not wait for funding  they made small efforts again and again. Why can’t we?

I accept that theatre needs some money to stage performances, but small theatre does not require much. It does not need grand sets, expensive lights, or a cast of twenty people. It only needs good actors even one good actor is enough. Badal Sircar and Habib Tanvir are great examples, among many others.

Let me speak briefly about my new play. In the end, a small child blooms like a beautiful flower, carrying a message of hope, love, and the beauty of life.

What can we do? We can only do small things, because we are small and we must accept this truth. This project belongs to our banner, but it is more than just a banner. Some filmmakers will create films inspired by this idea, some will run campaigns about love, and I will continue writing, directing my plays, and performing.

Maati Se Rangmanch carries a simple message:

Theatre cannot exist in the hands of the powerful alone. That is not the true spirit of theatre. Theatre is for the people. Theatre is for the janta. Art is for the people. Theatre must live among people and within them.

Small theatre is the best way to achieve this. Beauty lies in smallness.

Many people leave their homes and settle in jungles. Why? Because somewhere deep inside, we feel the need to return to our roots. Life cannot be lived through automation alone. Five cars, polluted cities, and endless machines  that is not life.

Life exists in small things.

Life exists in a small, beautiful flower that blooms even after a war.

After a long, dark night, a blue bird sings from her tree in the morning that beautiful sound is life.

After all the darkness, there is always some light:

the light of hope,
the light of love,
the light of peace.

Everybody needs love, peace, and hope in this world especially when we do not know what else we can do. We can always make small efforts.

I hope this idea of a beautiful life excites you all.

Azhar Gaur
Founder/Director
Act World Theatre