Theaterfest: Day 3

Going for the Amateur Endeavours (formerly Sophie Productions) on the third day of the LIC IIT Bombay Theatre Fest, it was a pleasant beginning to see candles and inverted earthen pots on the pathway to PCSA. With a packed Theatre the first play began just 20 minutes after 8 PM (the scheduled time).

The first play (Hamzat) was written and directed by Bilal Avidi (sophomore), who also played a major acting role in this insightful comedy play. Though the script was weak at some points, the play came out well and was appreciated by the audience. Other major roles were by Surya and Suhani.

The second play (Bus Stop) was written and directed by Sameer and Tushar (both 3^rd year students), and continued the flow of comedy and applause. The Tapori role of SRK (Shri Ram Khote) was well played by Siddharth. The role of Suhani was played by a first year student, Teena.

The Third Play (Taj Mahal ka Tendor) was directed by Snehil and Mohan (both 4^th year students) was an adapted play with some changes. This was also a humorous act which gave a performing chance to many sophomores including Puneet (Shahjahan), Aishwarya and Shubhanshu.

The fourth play (Mai Moonk) written and directed by Ashish Paliwal (2^nd year) started at 11 PM when more than half the audience had left the LT. Unlike all other plays this one was on a serious note. Though some appreciated the script, the play was crippled by the scant and unenthusiastic crowd. Execution was somewhat weak and the play lasted for nearly an hour, while the other 3 plays lasted for only about half an hour each.

This year, Amateur Endeavours was different from last year's Sophie Prod in many ways:

1. It was made a part of Theatre fest where students shared the stage with professional actors.
2. Number of plays cut down from 17 to 5 (the fifth play, Seedha Saadha Gadha, will be held on the 4^th day).
3. A script writing competition was held where talented writers were recognised.
4. Only two sophie scripts were selected.

As a result of these changes the level was raised and the event attracted larger audiences, though there were some cribs that many people could not get a chance to act. All in all, the event was a success, with good work done by the Institute Dram Secretary Aniket Behra, the Conveners of the Fourth Wall, sophomores and many helpful seniors.