BhamuIntelli Systems LLP
BhamuIntelli Systems LLP

Home

/

School

/

CBSE

/

Class 6

/

Arts

/

In the Company of Theatre

CBSE Explorer

Class 9

Class 10

Class 11 Science (PCM)

Class 12

Class 8

Class 6

Class 7

Class 11 Science (PCB)

Class 11 Humanities (Arts)

Class 11 Commerce

Class 12 Science (PCM)

Class 12 Science (PCB)

Class 12 Humanities (Arts)

Class 12 Commerce

In the Company of Theatre

AI Learning Assistant

I can help you understand In the Company of Theatre better. Ask me anything!

Summarize the main points of In the Company of Theatre.
What are the most important terms to remember here?
Explain this concept like I'm five.
Give me a quick 3-question practice quiz.

Summary

Chapter 18: In the Company of Theatre

Overview of Company Theatre

  • Definition: Professional companies of artists performing theatrical productions.
  • Historical Context: Flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, with roots in Parsi theatre in Mumbai.

Unique Features of Company Theatre

  • Team Dynamics: Included diverse roles such as actors, make-up artists, costume designers, and managers.
  • Family Involvement: Often entire families participated in performances and travel.

Decline of Company Theatre

  • Post-Independence Decline: The era of company theatres in India declined after Independence due to various factors:
    • Financial mismanagement of companies.
    • Rise of professional repertoires offering high-quality productions.
    • Advances in theatre techniques due to science and technology.

Notable Companies and Their Contributions

  • Parsi Natak Mandali: First Parsi theatre company, performed 'Roostum Zabooli' in 1853.
  • Surabhi Theatre: Established in 1885, known for family-oriented plays and innovative stage techniques.
  • Gubbi Company: Most famous theatre company in Karnataka, known for popular plays like 'Sadharame' and 'Subhadra'.

Popular Plays and Themes

  • Surabhi Theatre Plays: Known for magic, live VFX, and logic-defying feats.
  • Notable Works: 'Sri Krishna Leelalu', 'Jai Pathala Bhiravi', 'Bhakta Prahlada', 'Maya Bazar'.

Conclusion

  • Company theatre represents a rich tradition in Indian performing arts, showcasing the evolution and challenges faced over time.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of company theatre in India.
  • Identify popular company theatre groups and their contributions.
  • Analyze the decline of company theatre after Independence.
  • Recognize the unique features of company theatre productions.
  • Explore the historical significance of Parsi theatre in India.

Detailed Notes

Chapter 18: In the Company of Theatre

Concept of Company Theatre

  • Definition: Company Theatre refers to professional companies of artists who perform theatrical productions.
  • Historical Context: These companies were prevalent in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries but have largely declined in modern times.

Popular Companies and Their Decline

  • Early Companies: The first Parsi theatre company, 'Parsi Natak Mandali', performed its first play in 1853.
  • Notable Companies:
    • Surabhi Theatre: Established in 1885, known for family-oriented plays.
    • Gubbi Company: Famous in Karnataka, known for houseful shows.
  • Decline Factors:
    • Financial mismanagement of companies.
    • Rise of professional repertoires providing high-quality productions.
    • Advancements in theatre techniques due to science and technology.

Unique Features of Company Theatre

  • Inclusivity: Often included entire families, with roles ranging from actors to managers.
  • Cultural Impact: Influenced theatrical productions across India, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Examples of Popular Plays

  • Surabhi Theatre: Known for plays like 'Keechaka Vadha' and 'Maya Bazar'.
  • Gubbi Company: Popular plays included 'Sadharame', 'Subhadra', and 'Hemareddy Mallamma'.

Present Situation

  • Current Trends: The era of company theatres has seen a decline, but many professional theatre groups continue to thrive, adapting to modern audiences.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips for Company Theatre

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding the Concept of Company Theatre: Students often confuse company theatre with amateur theatre. Company theatre refers specifically to professional companies that perform theatrical productions.
  • Ignoring Historical Context: Failing to recognize the decline of company theatres post-Independence can lead to incomplete answers. It's crucial to understand the factors that contributed to this decline.
  • Overlooking Key Figures: Not mentioning significant contributors like Dr. Rajkumar and BV Karanth can weaken responses about the evolution of theatre in India.

Tips for Exam Preparation

  • Focus on Key Companies: Familiarize yourself with important theatre companies such as Surabhi Theatre and Gubbi Company, including their contributions and popular plays.
  • Understand the Evolution: Study the transition from company theatres to modern professional repertoires and how advancements in technology have influenced theatre.
  • Use Examples: When discussing the impact of company theatre, include specific examples of plays and their significance to enhance your answers.

Important Diagrams

Important Diagrams of Company Theatre

1. Artistic Illustration of a Theatre Face

  • Description: A stylized face with a colorful headdress.
  • Features:
    • Headdress decorated with circular patterns in green, yellow, and pink.
    • Traditional mask-like expression with ornamental features.

2. QR Code

  • Description: A matrix barcode consisting of black squares on a white grid.
  • Purpose: Encodes information readable by a QR scanner.

3. Group Photo of Theatre Ensemble

  • Description: A photo of people in front of a stage with colorful curtains.
  • Details:
    • Banner in a regional language with the name "Sriram Jaya Chandra Varma".
    • Individuals dressed in traditional and modern outfits, indicating a cultural event.

4. Traditional Performance Scene

  • Description: Individuals in elaborate costumes on stage.
  • Details:
    • Backdrop of painted clouds and a red curtain.
    • Costumes include ornate clothing with jewelry.

5. Theatrical Performance with Carriage

  • Description: Two people in traditional attire on stage with a horse-drawn carriage.
  • Details:
    • One person holding reins, another seated with a curved object.
    • Stage backdrop includes decorative pillars and drapes.

6. Historical Photograph of Theatrical Performance

  • Description: A group of people engaged in a theatrical performance.
  • Setting: Ornate architectural elements and traditional clothing.
  • Caption: "Parsi natak mandali" indicating a connection to Parsi theater.

7. Ensemble in Colorful Attire

  • Description: Actors dressed in colorful, traditional attire.
  • Backdrop: Vibrant curtains and an elaborate arch, indicative of a stage setting.

Practice & Assessment