Bring the moonlight into a chamber
What's central to theatre is not merely performance, it is that it is a live performance in front of a live audience. The audience's feedback of the performance and the quality of a production, too, is live. Actors draw from their audiences, even improvising as a play progresses. A certain thrill involved, sense of adventure, excitement, catharsis, nervousness are all shared experiences for both the production and the audience; except of course, degrees of experiences vary. Now, reading plays in a group is yet another experience, which too is a platform for expression, serving as spaces more than solely for professional or amateur or aspiring actors.
What is Play-reading?
The lines on paper or on devices, as things are done today, are read out loud. The lines needn't be memorised to be delivered. The scripts needn't even be known to the participant nor read beforehand. It is the simplest and basic way in which a play is performed but with it is read with passion and great enthusiasm, also with the purpose of entertaining oneself, rest of the participants or the audience (if and whenever there happens to be an audience).
There needn't be a set or stage set for a scene. Actors needn't be in costumes. Light and sound setting isn't a worry either. Often, stage directions are read out loud to inform the audience as well as the participants how the plot unfolds. Sometimes, although not necessary, music is played, lyrics are sung, complementing sound effects are produced by members of the group for an immersive experience.
Further, a play reading is also a table reading for a play, that is gearing up for production. It is a fun and enriching experience and one of the best and simplest ways to keep culture growing and creativity flowing.
We, currently read one-act plays, bearing in mind time constraints. We read in Hindi and English, for now.
We announce reading dates and the title of the play on a monthly basis on our social media platforms as well as on our news and events section. We typically meet and read onsite on a Saturday between 6 and 8 pm, until otherwise specified. Always RSVP should you wish to join us to read and or listen.