10 Best Theatre Groups In Kolkata |10 Tips

A theatre is a form of art that is performed live and presents the experience of fictional or non-fictional events. Kolkata is a culturally rich city in India. This city is known for its artistic and literary inclinations. Since the 1770’s they are practising the art of theatre. It is home to numerous renowned musicians, drama artist/groups, filmmakers, actors and others. Kolkata has some of the best theatre groups in the country. The people of this city of Joy love to attend theatre groups in Kolkata and watch some of their favourite novels brought to life on stage. Here is a list of the 10 best groups in town, who will keep you on your toes with their performance. 

In this article, you will get to know about the following theatre groups:

1. Nandikar Theatre Group 

Nandikar is one of the oldest and best theatre groups in Kolkata. Actors like Rudraprasad Sengupta and Sohini Sengupta have worked with Nandikar. This group was established in 1988 and since then they have been giving some of the best theatre performances not only in the city but around the globe. Nandikar has won numerous awards throughout the years for their performances. In addition, their cast is not only limited to renowned actors but it also spreads to the differently-abled people and the residents of the red light area. Manush, Pritibhi Rasta Shabdo, Mrityunjoy, Byatikram, Panchajanya, Gotraheen are some of Nandikars best works. You should not miss Nandikar’s performance on some of your favourite literary works of the best theatre groups in Kolkata.

2. Mad About Drama |M.A.D

In 2011 Mad About Drama was built. It is one of the most renowned Bengali theatre groups in Kolkata. It is home to some of the most respected actors in town. This Kolkata theatre group is handled by a bunch of youngsters who share a common love for plays and drama. The young people of the nation are their main target audience. They stand out among the crowd and have gained recognition all over India for their performances on daring topics. Their performance continues to inspire millions. To sum up. if you are looking for a contemporary theatre group then MAD is the one for you. 

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3. Bohurupee | Theatre

Bohurupee is a Bengali theatre group in Kolkata who have left a great impression on the audience with their incredible performances. They have covered literary works of illustrious playwrights like Tagore, Ibsen, Chekov, Sophocles and several others. Bohurupee is acknowledged as one of the premiere contributors to the art of drama in Kolkata. In short, you should not miss their performance when in Kolkata. 

4. Theatre Groups- Hypokrites

Among the notable Kolkata theatre group that are run by the youth of Kolkata Hypokrites is one of the best. Initially , they were a theatre group in Kolkata from Ashutosh College but have now become a group that has managed to grab the attention of the public with their mainstay performances. They derived their name from the Greek word Hypokrities which translates to ‘actors’. Moreover, Hypokrites is an independent group who share a common passion and love for theatre. Their fresh and original ideas and performances have rewarded them with the Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Director at Abhinaya in 2010. 

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5. Rangakarmee

Rangakarmee is a  group whose base is in Kolkata. They are famous for conducting their performances in Hindi. It was first founded in 1976 by the famous playwright and activist Usha Ganguly. They have become one of the most prominent bengali theatre groups in kolkata because of their performance, scriptwriting, music and direction. The Kolkata theatre group is famous for their powerful shows and their use of creative music for raising awareness on the existing social evils. To sum up, Rangkarmee continues to work as a non-commercial theatre organisation despite all the hardships they are facing. They are one of the reasons for the thriving art and cultural scene in Kolkata.

6. Bodnaam

The theatre enthusiasts of Heritage College of Engineering founded Bodnaam. They are famous for their street plays and numerous successful shows on issues of modern society. With their performance and win at the Vodafone Odeon in 2012, they broke through and became a renowned theatre group in Kolkata. In short, you should not miss their show when on a visit to the City of Joy. 

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7. Minerva Theatre

Minerva Theatre is one of the oldest theatre groups in Kolkata. It was the first group to screen the first motion picture in Kolkata, West Bengal. They are famous for their classical works. They strive to pursue a revival of society by using drama as a medium. To sum up, even though they have seen their fair share of ups and downs they still put up a great performance for their audience. 

8. 4th Bell Theatre

Young theatre lovers and enthusiasts founded this theatre group. 4th Bell Theatre provides a platform for youngsters who love to take part in drama and express their creativity through their performances. Above all the group also conducts workshops and invites other enthusiasts to share their ideas. It has managed to serve as an incubator for fresh talent in this artistic field. 

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9. Sanglap

Established in 1979, Sanglap’s main intention is to make theatre available to the audience. Their plays are powerful and their goal is to send messages to the public on social issues in the country. On the other hand, Sanglap Natyotsab- an annual drama festival that they organize brings theatre lovers on one platform. This group of acting theatre in Kolkata has conducted full-length plays like Amol Syndrome, Ratnakar, Astarag, Hai Raam, Kal Chakra and one-act plays like Tarasher Bhar, Jagaran, Aayna, etc. To sum up, Sanglap may be an old group but they are among the best Kolkata theatre group.

10. Swapnasandhani

In the year 1992, Koushik Sen founded Swapnasandhani. They are continuing to pave the way for theatre groups in Kolkata. Prachya, Bhalo Rakshosher Golpo, Ajke Aamar Chhuti, Daakghar, Suprobhat, Malyaban, Banku Babur Bandhu are some of their major productions. For example, they showed excellent performance on Antigone. In short, this Kolkata theatre group stands tall in the crowd by delivering performances on topics like social issues, epics, thrillers, etc.

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With this list discussed above, you will find it easy to follow your favourite theatre group. These groups form an eclectic mix and are a part of what becomes of Kolkata as a melting pot of culture. This cultural heritage is what brings people to this city as tourists and art lovers.

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