Azad Abul Kalam: Musings on theatre

Azad Abul Kalam is an all rounder. An actor, writer and creative director, he is the founder of theatre troupe Prachyanat that he, along with others, set up on February 21, 1997. But his foray into theatre goes way back in time--to October 1985 when he signed up with Aranyak. Thirty one years into the theatre world, he has lost none of his optimism about the medium even as many young theatre activists opt for more lucrative professions.

The well respected Kalam recently talked to The Daily Star about what it takes to be an actor, Prachyanat School's 15th anniversary and the dire need for professionalism in theatre.

Prachyanat is a multi-layered organisation. We always welcome new faces with new ideas. We inspire new theatre activists ready for the challenge. I tell them to be unafraid of making mistakes. From the very beginning, we have been active players in all forms of performing arts: acting, music, dance and more. Our orbit includes school level activities, hard hitting street plays and Laal Jatra,” Azad Abul Kalam began. “Many of us are involved with dance and musical performances; 'Joler Gaan' and 'Sarbanaam' are our musical wings,” he added. 

The scope of cultural contributions cannot be fully seen with open eyes; they have a far-reaching effect. The excitement of football and cricket is noticeable while the influence of art, literature and culture lies in the national psyche. Though it is invisible, it has an incredible power that gradually helps shape a beautiful society. Many may agree with me that if Tolstoy was not born, the Soviet Revolution may not have even happened. Literature and theatre can do many things,” he said. 

We still have a long way to go before instilling professionalism in theatre. We, the middle class, are doing theatre along with securing our livelihood. In ancient Greece, Rome and the Indian sub-continent, the kings and the Zamindars would patronise theatre so as to show their aristocracy.  But it is a fact that those who are pursuing Honours and Masters Courses in Theatre at different universities are getting frustrated after graduating. No wonder they opt to join TV channels or the private sector,” the notable theatre personality asserted.  

But we help our students to pursue careers in theatre if they really want to go in for cultural activism, performing arts or have a career in TV/films. Theatre has little to offer from a materialistic point of view. You must continue a professional job to earn a living alongside having a passion for theatre,” he added. 

Azad Abul Kalam had a few suggestions. “Theatre activists alone cannot remedy the situation. The Government and corporate houses, businessmen, university teachers and everyone else should come forward to promote and bring professionalism to theatre. Theatre departments don't have any repertory or archives. We are now still at a workshop level. An amateur cannot vie with a professional. We now feel self-satisfaction achieving very little like touring a foreign country, but that may not be enough,” he said.