The launch of the book Three Plays: The Hindu MetroPlus Playwright Award Winners 2008-2010 speaks of the value of the MetroPlus Playwright Award and the talent it is able to discover and showcase, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu , said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch of the book (published by Penguin India) at the Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers here, Mr. Ram said: “From the start, four years ago, we and our jury have emphasised quality. We are pleased our award attracts entries from some of the most promising young playwriting talent in India.”
He noted that these were still early days for the award, and that sustainable high quality in playwriting would come from increased participation and widespread interest.
“The key will be developing a congenial atmosphere and a culture of encouraging and valuing originality, new ideas, interesting voices, and creative writing,” he said. “We see the MetroPlus Playwright Award, and Penguin India's initiative in taking these three award-winning plays to a wider public, as at least modest contributions to the creation of such an atmosphere and culture.”
The chief guest of the evening, Arundhati Nag, theatre personality and founder and managing trustee of Rangashankara in Bangalore, who launched the book, said: “This is indeed an extra special moment for us theatre people. To see plays by youngsters being published and going into the literary world is wonderful. The Hindu has really stuck its neck out — not too many people take the trouble to publish plays, and scripts often languish.”
Archana Shankar, an editor of Penguin India, said that working on Three Plays was “a treat.”
“Reading these plays will, I'm certain, impel all of you to return to the theatre to watch something new and wonderful,” she said.
“A milestone”
The young playwrights whose work is featured in the book were also present at the launch, and talked about why it was an important milestone.
“Holding this book in my hands feels really good — it's hard for young writers to be recognised, especially playwrights,” said Kalki Koechlin, who won the 2009 MetroPlus Playwright Award, along with fellow playwright Prashant Prakash, for Skeleton Woman .
“This is the first full-length play I've written and there's no better incentive for me to keep writing,” Mr. Prakash said.
“Comforting”
Neel Chaudhuri, the 2010 winner for Taramandal , said: “The fact that there's this recognition, that a paper as commendable as The Hindu takes theatre seriously, is very comforting.”
“To all the other writers who're in this book along with me — it's a privilege to be published with you,” said Abhishek Majumdar, who won in 2008 for his play Harlesden High Street .
“Seeing as it features the prestigious winners of the MetroPlus Playwright Award, I'm sure this is a book we're all looking forward to reading,” said Virender Razdan, general manager of the Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers.
The launch of Three Plays was followed by readings from each of the three featured plays. The event was attended by theatre personalities and theatre lovers.
