Play Development works as a cross-cutting activity through several programmes of BLT and ATA. Not surprisingly, it finds a special place in the plans of the newly created Academy. The proposal now is to revive SHORTS, with an emphasis on: A paucity of Indian plays in English.
Play Development works as a cross-cutting activity through several programmes of BLT and ATA. Not surprisingly, it finds a special place in the plans of the newly created Academy. The importance of investment in this activity is linked to ATA’s mission. It is recognised that the vibrancy of the theatre in a society is linked to the volume of writing for the theatre. As early as 1963 BLT produced an original adaptation of a Sanskrit play (Mrichhakatika) in English. It was performed specially for an Asian educational conference. The production was in line with the recognition that we were first and foremost an Indian theatre group, although performing in the English language.
Play Development works as a cross-cutting activity through several programmes of BLT and ATA. Not surprisingly, it finds a special place in the plans of the newly created Academy. The importance of investment in this activity is linked to ATA’s mission. It is recognised that the vibrancy of the theatre in a society is linked to the volume of writing for the theatre. As early as 1963 BLT produced an original adaptation of a Sanskrit play (Mrichhakatika) in English. It was performed specially for an Asian educational conference. The production was in line with the recognition that we were first and foremost an Indian theatre group, although performing in the English language.
Starting from the early 80s, Bangalore had a sizeable increase in the volume of theatre activity in the English language. Because of the open developmental platform presented by BLT, along with a participative climate, many interested in the theatre began with BLT and went on to start their own groups. These new initiatives were even encouraged and aided by BLT. The decade witnessed two important developments.
BLT has maintained the conscious policy of producing Indian plays periodically—translations, adaptations, original scripts; by its own members and others.
Two programme areas in recent times have been particularly fertile for new play development:
In 2011 we should be making a start in the new play development programme for colleges and youth. This is likely to see a major increase in new scripts coming out of the Academy. In anticipation of the need, a publications programme is being put in place.
BLT or Bangalore Little Theatre is one programme division, oriented mainly to the presentation of theatre performances, maintaining its non-commercial status
ATA or Academy of Theatre Arts was initiated in 2006 as a second programme Division, to be oriented to all theatre development activity.
The strategic planning exercise BLT undertook in 2005 led to a restructuring of Bangalore Little Theatre Foundation and the creation of the Academy of Theatre Arts.