In an ambitious move to challenge the conventional weekend-only theatre performances, Chennai Art Theatre, under the curation of Juvith Arthi, launches a monthly curated show, 20-20.
The first edition of '20-20' featured three plays by three different directors. (Supplied)
“Why should theatre only happen on weekends?” questions Juvith Arthi, theatre artiste, writer, director and curator of 20-20.
“When I go to movie theatres and other entertainment places, they are always crowded on weekdays too. We would like to increase the interest of the people to watch theatre plays on weekdays as well,” shares the show director at Chennai Art Theatre.
The concept revolves around hosting theatre shows on weekdays, particularly Thursday and Friday, offering a refreshing break from the weekend norm.
Arthi emphasises the need for diversity in participation to avoid monotony.
“Since it’s curated every month, we don’t want only one or two groups to participate. Otherwise, it will be a one-hour or half-hour play, and it will become usual,” she notes.
“The main strategy is that people can watch three different genres of plays in one hour on weekdays. It won’t be too long or too short,” Arthi highlights.
This strategy aims to cater to a wider audience by providing a diverse yet succinct theatrical experience.
Focusing on quality content for audiences, Arthi explains, “We are mainly focusing on slightly experienced directors. Since people are coming on weekdays, we want the show to have quality in terms of content.”
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This emphasis on experience aims to elevate the overall theatrical experience for the audience.
Arthi also recognises the audience diversity, including those with weekdays off.
“There are people who work on weekends and have a day off on weekdays, like me. Since I work in live arts, I work mainly on weekends, and my days off are on weekdays. And some people have flexible working hours,” she points out.
“We believe 20 minutes is perfect to tell a story in a short and crisp manner,” asserts Arthi. “They can deliver the content powerfully and impactfully compared to other time formats.”
This meticulous time selection allows for a balance where the play is neither too brief nor excessively prolonged.
Curator Juvith Arthi. (Supplied)
In the first edition of 20-20, Between a Clown & a God by Uzzuff Razeen, Sorgame Endralum by Namritha and Pinavarai by Charles Britto, were staged.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural edition which took place on 10 November at Medai – The Stage in Alwarpet, Arthi shares, “All three directors were excellent at staging their plays. Audiences and other theatre enthusiasts liked all three plays since they were of different genres.”
“20-20 is focusing on local and mid-level theatre groups and directors with a good amount of experience,” explains Arthi.
“For freshers, we have another show called Spotlight, and for major theatre groups, there are other yearly curated shows.”
The open-genre nature of 20-20 provides mid-level groups the flexibility to stage plays frequently, promoting creativity and generating revenue. Plans include continually bringing diverse genres to the audience in innovative ways.
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“As a curator, I want theatre to be an all-day entertainment place for people,” she shares.
“This concept is a small initiation towards that,” she adds.
Drawing from her five years of experience as a theatre artiste, Arthi sheds light on the challenges faced by enthusiasts.
“Like me, there are many people who love theatre and want to do theatre as a full-time job. But still, there is a lack of opportunities.”
To tackle this, she emphasises that creating opportunities and providing revenue through curated shows are important.
The next edition of the 20-20 plays will be staged on 28 and 29 December at Medai.
“Again, we are collaborating with three directors with three different plays. Surely, audiences will like the second edition as they liked the first edition!” shares Arthi.
As for plans, she hints at expanding to other art forms on weekdays, an idea currently in the early stages of development.
Follow Juvith Arthi’s artistic journey on Instagram @ijuvitharthi
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