Introduction

Company Theatres refers to theatre groups or professional organizations in which a team of actors, directors, designers, musicians, technicians, and other artists work together to create and present theatrical performances. Company-based theatre encourages collaboration and allows artists to develop performances as a group.

People in a Theatre Company

A theatre company may include:

• Actors – Perform characters and bring the story to life.
• Director – Guides the artistic vision and performance.
• Playwright – Creates the script or dramatic story.
• Costume Designer – Plans costumes for characters.
• Set Designer – Designs the performance environment.
• Prop Designer – Creates or selects objects used on stage.
• Lighting Designer – Plans lighting for scenes and performances.
• Makeup Artist – Helps create the appearance of characters.
• Musicians and Sound Designers – Provide music and sound effects.
• Stage Manager – Coordinates the practical aspects of a performance.

Imagine living with a big team of artistes who only do theatre shows everyday and earn their living through that. You will be doing rehearsals everyday, wearing costumes, make-up and performing everyday! You would eat, play, sleep and even travel with them, all for performing shows.

These were called, ‘Company Theatres’, that existed in the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Very few have survived till now! Let us get a glimpse of this fascinating concept of company theatres that is almost non-existent now.

Company Theatre is used to describe professional companies of artists who perform theatrical productions.

Importance of Company Theatre

Company theatre encourages:

• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Discipline
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Artistic development

There were such theatre troupes in Kolkata as early as the 1700s. It usually consisted of a large number of people, self-sufficient in their requirements, professionally and personally. These troupes had everyone — 

make-up men, costume tailors, set designers, painters, light technicians, actors, dancers, singers, writers, cooks, managers and accountants.

Most of the time, it had entire families including children, being a part of it! They worked together performing shows and travelling for their entire lives.

The very first company theatre troupes that travelled to different regions in India were the ‘Parsi theatre companies’ in Bombay, Maharashtra, that performed plays all over India during the 1850s to 1930s.

The first Parsi theatre company called ‘Parsi Natak Manḍali’ performed their first play, Roostum Zabooli, and Sohrab in 1853. It was followed by King Afrasiab, Rustom Pehlvan and Padsah Faredun. By 1860, over 20 Parsi theatre groups were formed in Mumbai.

Their proscenium style productions inspired many theatrical productions all over India. Subsequently, the company theatre form picked up in other parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Parsi natak mandala

Popular Companies, Shows and Stories

Surabhi Theatre or Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali was formed in 1885 in Andhra Pradesh. Its first play was Keechaka Vadha. This is a family theatre company that performs stories based on Hindu

tradition and history. This is one of the few troupes that has survived for 138 years. Surabhi Theatre still showcases the following plays —

Sri Krishna Leelalu: The exploits of little Krishna.

Jai Pathala Bhiravi: The story of folk legend Thota Ramaudu.

Bhakta Prahlada: The tale of Prahlada — a devoted child.

Maya Bazar: The tale of demon King Ghatothkacha.

Sri Venkateshwara Udhbhavam : (Srinivasa Kalyanam).

Balanagamma: The story of a wicked sorcerer.

Karnataka Nataka Mandali was established in 1874 at Gadag in Karnataka. Sakkere Balacharya (Shantha Kavi) is the person behind this. Plays like Kichaka, Banasura and Vatstrapaharana were very popular on the stage.

Around the same time, Halasangi Nataka Mandali was started at Halasangi, Bijapur district of Karnataka. Srimati parinaya, Madalasa Parinaya, Droupadi Vatstrapaharana, and Bhoumasura Vadhe, etc., written by Venkannacharya Agalagatti were also popular. They had the patronage of the Maharajas of Mysore, who supported them and donated liberally towards encouraging the performing arts.

Shree Channabasaweshwara Nataka Mandali or famously the Gubbi Company, was the most famous theatre company in Karnataka. Their popular plays Sadharame, Subhadra, Hemareddy Mallamma, among many others always ran houseful shows. People waited in queues for days to buy tickets to watch them!

Some unique features —

• This troupe was the first to allow women to act.

• The most famous Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar started his theatre career in this company.

• BV Karanth, the famous theatre director from Karnataka also started his career here.

The Present Situation

The era of company theatres in India slowly declined after Independence. There were many factors that led to the decline —

• Most companies were not managed with the financial efficiency required.

• The novel techniques of the cinema industry stood as a very strong contender.

• Content and stories became less family friendly as some companies resorted to unhealthy humour.

• The concept of amateur theatre or Havyasi theatre gained popularity for its convenience.

Professional Theatre in India

Introduction

Professional Theatre in India refers to theatrical performances created and presented by trained actors, directors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and theatre organizations. Indian theatre has a long and diverse history, combining storytelling, acting, music, dance, poetry, costumes, puppetry, and traditional performance practices.

Professional theatre in India includes both traditional performance traditions and modern theatre productions. It is performed in different languages and reflects the cultural diversity of the country.

At present, there has been a decline in company theatre, there are many professional repertoires that provide high quality productions, even to this day. With the development of science and technology, theatre techniques have also upgraded and this allows for enhanced experiences.

History of Indian Theatre

The roots of Indian theatre are ancient. Classical Indian theatre developed sophisticated traditions of acting, dance, music, storytelling, and stagecraft. The Natyashastra, traditionally attributed to Bharata Muni, is one of the most influential texts associated with Indian performing arts.

Over time, theatre developed in many regional forms, languages, and cultural settings.

Traditional Theatre Forms

India has numerous traditional theatre traditions, including:

• Yakshagana – Karnataka
• Kutiyattam – Kerala
• Jatra – Eastern India
• Nautanki – North India
• Tamasha – Maharashtra
• Bhavai – Gujarat
• Therukoothu – Tamil Nadu
• Ankiya Naat – Assam
• Bhaona – Assam

These forms combine elements such as acting, music, dance, storytelling, costumes, and traditional performance techniques.

Modern Professional Theatre

Modern Indian theatre developed strongly during the colonial and post-independence periods. Theatre practitioners began experimenting with new scripts, stage designs, acting methods, social themes, and forms of storytelling.

Professional theatre today includes:

• Plays
• Musical theatre
• Experimental theatre
• Children’s theatre
• Regional-language theatre
• English-language theatre
• Adaptations of classical and contemporary works
• Street and community-based theatre

Important Theatre Professionals

Indian theatre has been shaped by many influential playwrights, directors, actors, and theatre practitioners. Some notable names include:

• Girish Karnad
• Vijay Tendulkar
• Habib Tanvir
• Badal Sircar
• Ebrahim Alkazi
• Kavalam Narayana Panikkar
• Ratan Thiyam

Their work contributed to the development and recognition of modern Indian theatre.

Theatre and Indian Culture

Professional theatre plays an important role in preserving and presenting India’s diverse cultural traditions. Performances in different Indian languages allow stories and artistic traditions from various communities to reach audiences.

Theatre can also explore contemporary subjects such as:

• Family and relationships
• Education
• Social change
• Environment
• Equality
• Identity
• History
• Community life

Benefits of Learning About Professional Theatre

It helps students:

• Understand performing arts.
• Develop communication skills.
• Appreciate Indian cultural heritage.
• Build confidence.
• Encourage creativity.
• Understand teamwork.
• Develop observation and critical-thinking skills.
• Discover different careers in theatre.

How a Company Theatre Works

1. Selecting a Play

The company chooses a suitable script or develops an original performance.

2. Planning

The director and creative team discuss the story, characters, setting, design, music, and performance style.

3. Casting

Actors are selected for different roles.

4. Rehearsals

Actors practice dialogue, movements, expressions, scenes, and interactions.

5. Designing the Production

Sets, costumes, props, lighting, sound, and other elements are prepared.

6. Technical Rehearsal

The performers and technical team practice together to coordinate all aspects of the production.

7. Performance

The completed production is presented to an audience.

Company Theatre and Students

Students can experience the idea of a theatre company by forming a small classroom group. Each student can take responsibility for a different role, such as actor, director, costume designer, prop designer, narrator, or stage manager.

Example Classroom Project

Students can create a short play:

Story Selection → Role Distribution → Script Preparation → Rehearsal → Set and Prop Making → Costume Planning → Performance

This allows students to understand that theatre is a collective art form rather than the work of actors alone.

Conclusion

Company Theatres demonstrate the collaborative nature of theatre. A successful production depends on the combined efforts of performers, directors, designers, technicians, writers, musicians, and stage personnel. Learning about company theatre helps students understand teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and the many different roles involved in bringing a theatrical story to the stage.