With a deep rooted and rich theatre culture, it is only natural for people from that performing arts to go all out to keep their calling alive and up-to-date. But theatre is not only for the professional artistes. It can be used as an apt tool by others interested in literature. It is this motive and the overall need to promote the spread of literature that gives rise to innovative, out-of-the-box concepts in Goa. One such concept is called ‘Theatre on the Beach’, the brainchild of the Bookworm Library Community Theatre. This theatre group is not a professional one but comprises people with a fiery passion for reading.
“The motto of Bookworm Library Community Theatre is to associate reading with art and culture, thus we came up with this idea of ‘Theatre on the Beach’. The activity is open to all; anyone interested can join in. The act of performing on the beach is an altogether different experience; it allows learning with an element of fun. The focus of the workshops we had was body and movement – essential elements of physical theatre. This fitted in beautifully with the primal quality of the beach,” said Alia Sinha, Library Programme Coordinator at Bookworm.
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When asked if they have plans of getting it included in recognised theatre, Alia said, “We have recently started, but yes we are in discussion to make it a proper performance act. ‘Theatre on the Beach’ is not a formal communication; its an activity on exercising and training the body and voice modulation,” shares Alia.
So is this concept exclusive to Goa? “As of now, I am unaware if it is carried out anywhere in the world. We came about this concept when our team had discussions on our activity so these suggestions were cropped up in the Bookworm meeting. I believe it fits in well with the state as it brings together theatre and the coast,” she stated.
Theatre on the Beach practice sessions are held once in a week on the beach. “So it comes to three such sessions in a month,” she informed.
The sessions are not only restricted to adults but children too can be a part of it. “We have had a college lecturer, an editor, a PhD scholar, a molecular biologist, a dentist and a fashion designer, amongst others, who did an assortment of bizarre activities with total ease,” added Alia.
The sessions are a great way of meeting like minded people and loosening up as they are full of jokes, laughter in a warm and jovial atmosphere.
“Even government supports our cause. The beach is a public area. If volleyball and football can be played then why not theatre on the beach? It’s basically a fun activity, in which anybody can participate.” So far, every person who has walked in and joined this activity has given back good feedback and are also spreading the word about this concept. “In fact, we receive a lot of inquires about our upcoming sessions. This is really reflecting well on the reading habit of Goa,” concluded Alia.
