Dining with Drama

Bangalore has been having its hare of Supper theatre on and off and although it is not quite frequent, it i looked upon as a more glamourous form than usual theatre

(c) Puja Goyal

Supper theatre also known as variety cabaret is one of the first forms of theatre that came up as community entertainment where family members gathered around for dinner and watched little acts to keep them entertained.

The act involves Compilations and revivals of plays or impromptu acts which are put together and produced at venues where the price includes usually includes a meal (dinner) and the show (drinks are extra).

Anjaan, a Programming Manager, is a theatre enthusiast and has had experience in Supper theatre; he adds "In India Supper theatre is mis-represented; organizers think it involves inviting people, feeding them and showing an act. It is the other way round, it is theatre you can watch while having supper. For example: if we had Jhoom Barabar Jhoom being performed as supper theatre it would be an act mixed with songs. It is visual art instead of real theatre; and works as a goldmine for talent."

The occasional Supper theatre performances in Bangalore are perceived as a more glamorous form of theatre. Supper theatre is often high priced and the audience is small. You will probably find the cream of the society.

Masquerade, a Singapore based performing Arts Company, performed a unique interactive murder mystery supper theatre, for its audience recently. Evenings began with clue packs being given to everybody, scenes were acted out and murders took place during the course of the meal. The plot revolved around King Leopold and Queen Elizabeth of Polots-via who presented the Crown Prince Maximillan to the guests. Hopefuls plotted to satisfy their dubious desires for murder which was on the menu—as well as music and laughter.

What is detrimental to the interests of Supper theatre is that it is now reduced to nothing but a promotional event and bills which run into thousands. "You do anything and call it supper theatre. Supper Theatre is mis-represented in Bangalore." But is it popular? "It would be detrimental to the interests of the performer to have its audience munching on something; when the object in mind is to sensitize an audience. The thing is you can always follow the play with a meal right?" Raza Hussain, Theatre Actor.

Anjaan is miffed at the way people interpret Supper theatre, "Supper theatre is not an accepted name and is just a perception. The more the word "Supper" in "Supper theatre" is used as an adjective the more it becomes meaningless. You have to use "Supper" as a verb or a noun to make theatre cooler and the real form to develop".

A hindi supper theatre by ilver blue productions will be staged at Ista on Saturday.