Editorial

As a result of cordial confinement to Group Theatre, theatre has been imperceptibly absorbed into every aspect of life and a long time has been elapsed in realising this. In the present auspicious period of the ‘freedom’ of theatre from its long-suffered stagnancy, this publication is a little attempt to continue and uphold the rich tradition of theatre, on behalf of the combined effort of all theatre workers round the world. India has gone through a period when the woman and the ‘untouchable’ caste (Shudra) were deprived of reading of the Vedas (the oldest scripture of Hinduism). The most noticeable fact here is the horrible discrimination of caste and gender prevailing at that time. In this condition, Lord Brahma (the God of Creation in Hindu mythology) created the Fifth Veda i.e. the Bharata Natya Shastra (the Grammar book of Theatre) in order to spread mass education, consciousness along with entertainment. Unfortunately, it could not stop the discriminations, but what it did is that the inclusion of theatre into the Vedas paved the path for theatre to gain a higher status and the playwrights and directors were ascribed to social and moral responsibilities. This responsibility is ours as well as of the State. Because, we are structurally within a social system that is governed by the State and any task is hard to work out without the intervention of the State. 

The successor is always indebted to its predecessor and the later always enlightens the previous by its glory. In this way, the Bengali is ever-indebted to Rabindranath Tagore. One should feel fortunate if he/she even tries to lessen that debt by his/her works. So, Thespian, with due respect, dedicates its first issue to Tagore. Many a times we have heard that theatre is a dead art form. But that cannot prevent its creativity. That is why, Thespian is a cordial attempt to eradicate such menaces and hindrances on its way to glory.

From the very first day of the attempt to publish Thespian, many friends and well-wishers from different streams have enriched us with their sincere efforts and it is impossible to mention all these in this little space here. But Thespian will remind them in its every step and will always offer its respect toward them. Thespian begs apology for its unwilling faults.

Bivash Bishnu Chowdhury