Dr Sohan Kaul
“Man’s quest to understand the nature, its cycle, the progression from life to death has been with him since the times immemorial. Perhaps it is this understanding which has made his survival possible on earth. During this process of understanding he might have evolved some rituals which probably can be the origin of theatre.
Later it became the most powerful style of expression and encompassed the vast range of styles, genres, themes and functions and could not remain limited to just a literary form only. It became a complete visual interpretation of human experiences right from ritualistic age to present era,’’ writes Jailkhani in his latest book “Theatre-An Introduction’’. So many books, research papers have been written so far on theatre, its origin and development. So many scholars have interpreted theatre in different shades and colours. Away from these books “Theatre- An introduction’’ by Mr Ashok Jailkhani remains a unique book as it encompasses its vastness, its origin and development and above all the methods and techniques of theatre. I believe it is the only book which deals with such a variety of topics like, the Director’s Role, the Stage Craft, film and theatre, besides its history and development. There are two forewords of the book one is written by famous writer and Director Girsh Karnard and he has observed that this book is a compendium almost encyclopaedic in its sweep and therefore of universal interest. Its contents range from the Greek and Sanskrit theatre to Noh, Puppet and Shadow Theatres. In other forward famous poet and Gyan Peeth recipient Rahman Rahi has observed that the book is significant in dealing with the history of drama and fine arts in ancient Kashmir.
Originally the book was written in Kashmiri titled “Theatre- Akh Taruf’’ and was released in 1910 at SKICC by Governor N N Vohra. As the book hit the stalls the need for its English version was felt and several critics and theatre Directors wanted the book to be published in such language, so it could reach to larger section of students connected with theatre. Prof Shafi Shauq translated it under the title “Theatre- An Introduction’’ and was released on March 6th at Raj Bhawan by Governor N N Vohra. It is a magnificent book on theatre.
This book essentially aims to illuminate those facts through which it is regarded as a fundamental human activity throughout the history. The book deals with role of Director,Actor, Set Designer, Costume Designer and Light Designer in producing the desired aesthetics on stage. Mr Ashok Jailkhani has come out with a basic truth that theatre is not essentially a literary art though it is taught in many universities but the strongest impact of a literary experience is linked with the spectacle and this is created by acting, singing and dancing. The literary merit of a script remains comparatively a minor element.
“Theatre- An introduction’’ shall remain important document on theatre as it is a research work of those theatrical traditions of various cultures of the world. It is a document which deals with the primary motivation of theatre to Greek playwrights of 5th century BC, then it takes a review of Roman theatre, Chinese theatre, Japanese, Kabuki and English, French, Russian and Indian theatre. Besides giving a detailed account of the different trends of theatre. The book also puts forth the relevance of theatre in different civil societies viz a vis other art forms like poetry and painting etc. The book also elaborates the innovative theories of theatre given by different Directors like Stanislavsky and Brecth. Book has a specific chapter which deals with principles and elements of drama. In this chapter the writer has discussed the structure of drama and underlined and importance of good scripting.
The book also deals with brief history of theatre in Kashmir. Efforts to built the cultural fabric of the society after devastation of tribal attack on Kashmir in 1947, led to rethink about the role of fine arts in new society, competing with the technical refinement of All India Radio, the theatre groups rediscovered what these could give to community which Radio could not. In this direction a search for popular theatre began. Folk theatre was rediscovered and received a new impetus. Many dramatic associations emerged and the theatre scene became richer and healthier. The writer has given an account of all genuine Directors and Theatres of the state. The author is an eminent theaterist who added new idiom to the theatre activity of Kashmir. He directed some famous plays like “Konark’’ “Evam Inderjit’’, “Santola’’, “Chinar’’ etc. It is because of this vast theatrical experience that he could write such a fine book on theatre which is of immense importance to the students of theatre. The elements of theatre production are described nicely in the book. The relation of performer with the time which exists in dramatic experience and the time which exists with the audience has been illustrated with subtle nuances form the great theatrical experiments as every theatrical production has these elements in common, content can be “Hamlet’’ or “waiting for Godot, the two concepts of time remain the same, explains Jailkhani. The book is spread over 260 pages with some photographs and slides and has been aesthetically designed and printed. It is worth reading and I wish that if at any time the theatrical production is introduced in the syllabus this book might serve immensely by illuminating all about theatre. I do not find any subject which has not been dealt in this book. Sincerely a fine addition in the meaningful books written all over the globe.
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