World Theatre Day: Exhibition remembers Ebrahim Alkazi

A retrospective exhibition on Ebrahim Alkazi, who revolutionised Indian theatre by combining native folk traditions and international acting techniques, opened here today on the occasion of World Theatre Day.
Titled 'The Theatre of E Alkazi', the show at Jawahar Kala Kendra, has been curated by Alkazi's daughter Amal Allana, who is also a theatre artiste.
Running parallel to the Independence Movement and the birth of Indian modernism in theatre, Alkazi's vision and ideas has been chronicled through rare photographs, objects, archival documents and models of stage sets.
Inaugurated by eminent theatre director Mohan Maharishi, the show opened with a solo play titled "Jeevit Ya Mrit" by Seema Biswas.

It has also brought out a trove of unseen archival material related to Alkazi's rare works from the 1940s and 1950s.
Alkazi is also credited with the introduction of revolutionary ideas in theatre through scenic design and lighting.

"He evolved new training methodologies for student actors, directors and stage designers and spoke of a new ethics and philosophy in theatre," organisers said.
"My greatest challenge in designing an exhibition on a great legend like Alkazi, was to be able to live upto the high standard of what Alkazi stood for, and to be able to communicate that greatness in a manner befitting Alkazi," famous scenographer and light designer Nissar Allana, said.

The exhibition is set to continue till May 6.