DRAMA ACTIVITY (DBNS)

Having settled down in my career, I thought of engaging myself in Drama Activities.  In New Delhi, there were two Dramatic Societies viz. South Indian Theatres (SIT) AND Dakshina Bharat Nataka Sabha (DBNS).  I joined DBNS for my drama flavor.  The DBNS used to stage dramas during the month of October-November every year for a three or four day Drama Festival.  I remember Shri Ramanathan (Director), SKS Mani, Yumuna Mani, Krishnaswami Sir, Delhi Ganesan, Thayappan, Smt. Anandi and her husband,  Vaidyanthan and his wife (others I do not remember) have been active participants in the dramatic activities. At any particular point of time, we used to take up three or four Dramas to be staged and start the rehearsan right from the month of May-June.   The old dramas (already performed) require few rehearsals and the new ones take a minimum of 12 to 15 rehearsals.  Usually, the rehearsals are held in one of the DTEA School in the evening between 7 to 9 pm on a daily basis.  All those who are actors in a particular drama and others will also attend the rehearsals for following the sequence of the drama during its performance on the Stage.  Everyone will take part in organizing the staging of the drama like make up, prompting, lighting, properties etc.   Usually dramas used to be staged in the AIFACS (All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society) in Rafi Marg where facilities like lighting, curtains, green room etc. were available.

I have acted in atleast six dramas which were staged and I only remember Oru Poi and Mazhai .  Delhi Ganesan was the leading role in most of the Dramas. 

There used to be lot of confusion behind stage when a drama is staged.  Normally every one will follow the Q word of the previous person.  Sometimes, a actor will forget to mention the Q word  and the next person will fumble without starting his dialogue.  At that time prompter will give the clue.   The light/screen operator will also follow a Q word to switch off the light and pull the curtain.  Sometimes, he will misunderstand or forget the Q word and switch off/or not switch off the lights are the right time.  When one scene ubruptly come to a close before time due to confusion in Q, persons to be present in the following scene will not be present when the next scene starts.  The lead actor will managing in dragging on the scene by talking some jokes and common issues till the actual person joins the scene.  Sometimes, I used to forget my dialogue, when the lead actor will inform me as if I have told him what I wanted to say and manage the situation. 

I wonder if anyone of those belonging to DBNS could contact me in the Face Book under :Rajagopalan Krishnaswami., I will feel very happy.