American author Isaac Goldberg once said, "There is that smaller world which is the stage, and that larger stage which is the world." And many would agree that the theatre industry has several times mirrored society in a remarkable way. In the last few years it is said that the industry is going through a lean phase owing to the increasing exposure towards internet and the growing popularity of the cinema. This hindrance can be dealt with better financial help to performers and wider exposure to the talented artists.
With a view to encourage young directors from Rajasthan, Jaipur's Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) is extending support to theater artistes by way of financial grants. A national level jury of theatre experts constituted by the Kendra will be selecting three plays by young directors. The directors of these plays will be given a financial grant of Rs 1 lakh each for the development and production of the play.
Along side JKK also plans to boost the number of women directors and give way to encourage innovative ideas that can showcase the hidden talents of the theatre industry.
The eligibility for ' Young Theatre Directors Grant’ requires the directors to be in the age bracket of 18 - 35 years. One should have a minimum experience of 3 years in theatre direction to be able to send a proposal. The last date to send the proposal is September 20, 2017. The selected play will be staged twice in JKK.
Similarly, a grant of Rs 6 lakhs will be given to one senior director or theatre organization. The play of the selected theatre artiste/organization will be staged thrice in JKK, including once during Navras, the week dedicated to dance, music and theatre at JKK. The director should possess a minimum five years experience of direction to be eligible to send in his/her entry in this category. The last date for applying is September 29, 2017.
As a follow up to the National Level Theatre Workshop which was held in June in JKK in collaboration with National School of Drama, New Delhi, three women directors have been selected by a jury comprising Ms. Tripurari Sharma, Ms. Kirti Jain and Ms. Neelam Mansingh for a grant of Rs 1 lakh each. The selected women directors are Ms. Mumal Tanwar and Ms.Vagmi Raghav from Rajasthan as well as Ms. Ambika Kamal from Chandigarh. They will be guided and mentored by the faculty of National School of Drama who will help them in the production of their plays.