In the theatre world, the desire to reach new audiences is important not only as a monetary venture, but also as a way to experiment with new ways of doing and defining theatre. The survival of any art form is dependent on introducing new generations to the enjoyment of the form and its possibilities for eliciting unique experiences on the part of its audience.
Experts have referred to the importance making theatre accessible through apps on cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.Recently, Times of Theatre (TOT), a theatre app was launched in the Press club of Kolkata. The app aims to provide the experience of live theatre to ignite a passion for theatre, inspire creativity, and empower the Youth.
This app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.Drama, drama songs, news from the drama world and discussion on dramas will be aired at specific times. It would be currently available Bengali, Hindi and English.
Shamik Bandopadhyay inaugurated the radio app at a press conference. On behalf of TOT, Shubhamoy Basu, the head of the company, said, “We have received a lot of support from several playwrights drom Kolkata and outskirts of Kolkata, even from the rural areas. Former ICCR Director Gautam De was present on the occasion and expressed his thoughtful opinion about the importance of this app.
Theatre director and actor Soumitra Basu recalled his incredible popularity by reminiscing on past radio dramas. Murari Roychowdhury is one of the pioneers in the world of Bengali drama music. He spoke about the importance of song in drama. “Nowadays songs used in drama has lost its originality. We have to understand songs have a big role to play in the drama. We have lost a lot of our tradition due to our reluctance to write history. I hope ToT will look into this. “
