Shadow plays in Indian theatre.

India is not only a world leader in movie making, but also in theatrical activities.Hundreds of play troupes are actively working in different parts of India.they are staging different types of plays.Theme of those plays vary from mythological stories to modern absurd events,from political allegory to social happenings. Similarly, Indian theater people are employing all sorts of technics- from LCD projectors to puppets, from shadow play to traditional actors.

IPTA

IPTA or 'Indian peoples theater Association, is one such organization actively using theater as a tool to create awareness among people against exploitation, sex discrimination, corruption,etc.This organization has undoubtedly leftist orientation.It has a political bend towards communism,though the activists do not essentially belong to that party.

Recently,from December 26 2001 to 28th,Dec, A national level convention of IPTA was organized at Bhilai, in Chattisgarh state, India .There, different Indian state troops exhibited their theatrical shows.Among them a half- an hour play,staged by Madhya Pradesh team attracted everybody's attention. This whole play was enacted using the shadow play technique

Theme of the play

The theme of the play is simple . Poor women in a certain village used to work as labourers and earn their livelihood. But the factory employer uses to exploit them without giving holidays, proper wage amount, sick leave etc. He used to treat them roughly. He also discriminates them on caste basis.At last they rebel against this and unite to fight. A little girl's cheerful behavior fills enthusiasm in them to live for such young souls and fight against injustice.

Effect of the play

The play was very successfully staged. Everybody appreciated that.

Advantages of the technique

Following are the advantages of using the shadow play technique-

1. It diminishes the importance of wearing perfect costume.Even if it is dirty, or worn out, the show can go on.

2 Make up is unnecessary.

3 Use of too many lights is not necessary.

.........and so on.

Some essentials

For a successful shadow play,certain other things are essential.These, even if little bit defective, can make the show good in a regular plays.These essentials are the following:

1. Good voice modulation

2 Perfect and perfect body language.

3 Proper back-lighting.