Showtime recently caught up with Tropa Majumdar, a popular face from theatre group “Theatre.” The talented artist shared her views on the theatre scene of the country and also the choices she has made along the way
How does the theatre as a medium serve mankind?
Theatre can be beneficial for two types of people. The ones who practice it, and the people who watch it regularly. Those who honestly work in theatre groups are positively impacted in many ways. This allows their consciousness to grow. It helps them realise their duties towards other human beings, society and the nation. Theatre is all about team work. Therefore, it develops important virtues like discipline. It serves as a platform for sharing, and motivates one to think outside the box. The artists feel a deep sense of satisfaction after delivering a performance. Also, as the performance is live, a direct communication and connection is established between the performers and the audience.
It also serves the audience in many ways. You can get a lot of things in recorded or electronic media. But nothing beats the joy of getting “live entertainment.” It also drives audience to ponder over many topics. It is not like once the show is over, the viewer forgets about it.
How important is it to practice acting in theatre before starting a career on screen?
I won’t say it is mandatory. However, schooling is always helpful. Theatre is an excellent medium to learn. Those who practice theatre before going on screen can derive the extra advantage. On the other hand, those who directly show up on screen might take a little longer to be groomed. Moreover, those who have already gone through the drilling in the theatre will feel a lot more comfortable in adapting the new means. Because the kind of practice is done in theatre are quite intense.
What do you like better - acting on stage or directing plays?
Acting is my passion and I am basically an actor. I feel utmost comfortable when I work under someone else’s direction. I started directing for the sake of my group. Basically I was inspired by our founder, late Abdullah Al Mamun, to direct plays. But still today I find the job to be extremely challenging.
Who are your favourite theatre personalities?
It is hard to name anyone individually. I have enjoyed watching different artists at different times. I cannot say that I have disliked the overall work of any theatre group. Sometimes I liked the direction of a play, sometimes I liked the sets; in some cases I liked the costumes, the acting, or even the music, it depends.
You are an actor, an executive at an ad agency and a faculty member of a university. Can you maintain a healthy balance among all these jobs?
I am the head of Creative and Social Communications at Expressions Ltd and I work as a part-time faculty of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the Dhaka University. My main profession is working at the ad agency. After my work, I usually attend the rehearsals in the evening. I do not have to spend a lot of time in teaching. People ask me why I do not work in the TV plays. It is because of my priorities. But my daughter is above everything else. She is 10-year-old and I try to spend as much time as I can with her.