World Theatre Day: The young generations want a bright future

World Theatre Day (WTD), celebrated on March 27, was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. In Mauritius, most young people ignore theatre. However, there are a few young talents that are promoting this art. This week, these young Mauritians share their passion for theatre. 

Darshan Agileswaran: “There are lots of talents in the country”

Darshan discovered his passion for theatre, especially drama, in 2012 and he first participated in a National Tamil Drama Competition. “Initially I was hesitant but I took it up as a challenge. The first participation opens avenues to other competitions. It was hectic at first, but I was able to act very well and surprisingly, I was awarded the second best actor in the National Drama Competition for the Tamil language.  Determined, I started writing my own script and created a new theatre club with new talents for the competition in 2013. Over the past years, my team and I won several awards.” 

According to him, in Mauritius there are lots of potential for the youths who perform really well in theatre. Investment from our Ministry of Culture can help to propulse this art. “Mauritius is actually at a peak stage of cultural development, which can surely bloom with the commitment of actors. I am confident that the future of theatre in Mauritius is bright and we will be able to shine even on the international scene.” 

Krishnanandsingh Ramdeny: “Any person can become an artist” 

Krishnanandsingh’s passion for theatre dates back to his childhood. “Each time I was watching a movie, I used to imitate the actor. Gradually, I started liking acting. I liked watching plays, then upon the request of friends and teachers, my very first participation as an actor was in 2007 at school. Then each year, I participated in drama competitions organised at school level till 2011. I won various awards,” he declares.

He states that theatre is surely becoming more and more popular in Mauritius. “The Ministry of Arts and Culture is continuously promoting this discipline. Even at school level, it is being greatly entertained compared to some years back. People no more think that theatre is a waste of time but there are very few artists who are passionate about this. Any person can become an artist. I strongly believe that theatre does a have good future in Mauritius.” 

Jyoti Doolaree Seetohul Bhakha: “Talent is not well paid” 

Since childhood Jyoti was fascinated by her uncle, father, mother and cousins who had performed on stage. “The first time I acted on stage, I was 18 years old for a competition. Afterwards, I played in many English, Creole, Hindi and Bhojpuri plays. We won numerous awards at national level. For my first English drama, I had won the award for best actress. Every time I play, I discover a new challenge. I have also participated in the short film competition organised by the ICAC and won the jury award.

In Mauritius, many youngsters are interested in theatre but the problem is finance, says Jyoti. “Talent is not well paid. Acting can be done only as a hobby but not as a profession. We cannot earn a living on acting in Mauritius, unlike in other countries.  Acting must become a profession. Moreover, when we are performing,  audiences are small as most people are busy at work due to conflicting schedules. It would be better if plays are performed at night in order to gather the maximum audience. Lots of people will be interested to act also, as it would not affect their jobs. Theatre has a bright future in Mauritius because many people are interested. It is also a very good medium to sensitise the masses about cultural values. But some amendments need to be done. There is still a lot to be done.”

Rajeshwar Seetohul: “Theatre is slowly developing in Mauritius”

21-year old Rajshwar started theatre at the age of five. For him, it runs in the family. Every year, he participates in the National Drama Festival in various languages: English, Hindi, Bhojpuri and Creole. He won his first award at the age of 15. “My journey as a professional theatre actor began after I won my first award. Since then I have won various awards and I have participated each year. It is indeed great achievement for me. We train more than a hundred actors and give them opportunities to showcase their talents on national platforms. Recently, I gave my career a new direction. I step into the cinema world. I have studied cinematography and started producing short movies, I was surprised when we received a lot of accolades and rewards, such as the best script for a short movie that we made for ICAC short film competition. I also write stories. I won the third prize for youth excellence award and another award in the best acting category during inter college competitions.”

For him, theatre is slowly developing in Mauritius as youngsters are interested in acting but there is no appropriate platform in Mauritius. “We have only one well developed theatre in Mauritius. Theatre can have a bright future but more opportunities must be given to youngsters. It can become a means to fight social evils such as drugs, alcoholism and violence.” 

Sidharta Runganaikaloo: “A revival in a few years” 

Sidharta, 23 years old, is passionate about the protection of the environment, dance and drama. The interest in theatre comes mainly from her parents because they have been involved with the Scouts Association for a long time. “At secondary level, with a few friends, we compiled Disney songs to represent a love story and it was a success because it evoked sentiments of tension, happiness, sadness and friendship. At university level, I wrote a script about the independence of Mauritius for the National Day Celebration. I have also performed in a contemporary play for the launch of ANPAZZ, an organisation whose aim is to promote local talent by providing a platform.”

For her, theatre has its own place in Mauritius. It is a form of art that has weakened but is not really gone. “The latest show I went to see was ‘Sister Act’ and it was amazing, proving that theatre is still present and does have its place in our society. Theatre might have a revival in a few years with more artists willing to invest time and effort into this beautiful form of expression.”

Yassir Ameeralee: “Youngsters are not interested in theatre” 

From his childhood, Yassir was mesmerized by cinematography and theatre. At the age of 16, he set up a group with the help of his friends. “I have learned a lot from theatre. It has helped me to grow socially and professionally. I have become even more mature while performing. With the support of my family and friends, I have been able to live my passion and work with some famous artists. With the exposure in this field, I have been able to set up my own venture. I am very happy that theatre has given life to my passion.” 

He argues that in Mauritius, the youngsters do not show any interest in theatre. “Theatre does not have a promising future in Mauritius. We need expertise in the field. In order to be an artist, we need to dedicate our time to it. Here in Mauritius, we do it as a hobby. This field does not have any opening. However, I advise those passionate about drama not to lose hope.”