Jagatik Marathi Natyadharmi Nirmata Sangh demands opening of drama theatres

World Marathi Drama Producers Association (Jagtik Marathi Natyadharmi Nirmata Sangh) was established on July 20, 2020. The new team will have Ameya Khopkar as president and Mahesh Manjrekar as Vice President. They had a virtual video conference after 2 days. It was discussed that what steps to be taken to restart drama theatres which has been closed since the announcement of lockdown. In the meeting they discussed all the issues and how to start a theatre business which has been closed since March 2020. A blueprint was then drawn and a detailed statement in this regard was given to the Cultural Secretary of the Maharashtra State. The statement sought permission to start theatres in the state considering the following points.

 1) Theatre workers will be trained on how to observe social distancing.

 2) There will be only two plays per day in each theatre.

 3) Each artist’s makeup kit will be different.

 4) Seating of spectators in theatres will be done keeping in view the government rules.

 5) During the middle of the play and after the play, there will be no crowd in the porch and in the toilet. Caution will be exercised before the play begins.

 6) Tickets for the play will be sold online.

 7) The audience should not come to meet the actors before and after the start of the play. Requests will be made and will be taken seriously to avoid crowds.

With all the above in mind, the theatres in the state should be made available for business as soon as possible so that the 3 lakh families who depend on this business can definitely get out of this difficult time. A statement to this effect will be given to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of the State in person soon.