BENGAL THEATRE (1873)
This was literally the first permanent
stage in the history of professional Bengali Theatre. On 16th August,1873, this theatre was inaugurated with the staging of 'Sharmistha', an immortal creation by Madhusudan Dutta. Sri Biharilal Chattopaddhyay was inextricably linked with the Bengal Theatre. He was a prolific actor and an equally adept impressario. After his death in 1901, this theatre ceased to exist. In later days, the Beadon Street Post Office was built at this place. It still exists with glory at Dani Ghosh Sarani (former Beadon Street).GREAT NATIONAL THEATRE (1873)
6, Beadon Street
The Great National Theatre was established on 29th September, 1873. S
ri Bhuban Mohan Niyogi donated a large sum of money for founding this theatre. Sri Dharamdas Sur had made the blue-print of this building. On 31st December, that year, the play 'Kamyakanan' was staged here. In 1877, Girish Chandra Ghosh became its owner and rechristened this Theatre as 'National Theatre'. But he could not run the theatre for long. Later on, Sri Pratap Chandra Jahoori took charge of this theatre and theatrical performances were resumed on this stage. This theatre was renamed as 'Minerva Theatre' in course of time.BINA THEATRE (1877)
38, Mechua Bazaar Road
Ramkrishna Roy was the founder of this theatre. At the inception, male actors used to play the female roles on this stage. Interestingly, female actresses, reversed the scenario in later days and played all roles irrespectively. This theatre was, in course of time, taken on rent by several theatre groups. It was revamped and rechristened innumerable times as 'Indian Theatre', 'City Theatre', 'Victoria Opera House', 'Pandora Theatre', 'Gaiety Theatre' etc. Finally, it was named 'Kirty' and was converted into a Cinema Hhall. This was later rechristened as 'Jahar'.
STAR THEATRE (1883)
Gurmukh Roy established this theatre on Beadon Street in the year 1883. Initially, some ardent lovers of theatre had suggested to christen the theatre after the name of the illustrious actress Nati Binodini. However, the propo
sal was not accepted and it came to be known as the 'Star Theatre'.The maiden show at the 'Star' was 'Daksha Jagna' by Girish Chandra Ghosh on the auspicious day of 21st July, 1883. In course of time, this theatre was rechristened and revamped several times and in the process, it witnessed several changes of proprietorship as well. The last play staged here was Manmath Roy's 'Karagar' on 1st March, 1931. This theatre was demolished during the construction of Chittaranjan Avenue. Unfortunately, there does not exist the least trace of this glorious theatre to-day.
NEW STAR THEATRE (1888)
75/3, Cornwallis Street
New Star Theatre was inaugurated on 25th May, 1888 with the maiden show of Girish Ghosh's 'Nasiram'. Amarendra Nath Dutta took this theatre on lease in 1911. This is the hallowed place which witnessed the grand debut of three legendary actors viz., Teenkari Chakraborty, Durgadas Bandopaddhaya and Ahindra Choudhury in the play 'Karnarjuna' by Aparesh Chandra Mukhopaddhaya in 1923. This theatre has also undergone several changes of ownership. In 1950, this stage was made air-conditioned and revolving. Today, this theatre stands at 75/3/4, Bidhan Sarani with all its pristine glory.
UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE MANCHA (1891)
7, Bankim Chatterjee Street
This theatre which is used for play acting today, is not the original one built in 1891. The original theatre was incinerated in the seventies. Sisir Kr. Bhaduri, the doyen of Bengali Theatre had acted on this stage. This theatre still launches the home productions of the Institute. Au reste, several professional plays are also being performed on this stage. At present, this theatre has been renovated with ultra-modern equipment.
MINERVA THEATRE (1893)
6/1, Beadon Street
Minerva Theatre was built at the place where stood the Great National Theatre in the yester years. The maiden play held on this stage was 'Macbeth'. This theatre was inaugurated on 28th January, 1893. At the inception, Nagendra Bhusan Mukhopaddhaya was the proprietor of this theatre. In course of time, it witnessed several transfer of ownerships. Sri Girish Chandra Ghosh gave the last spectacular performance of his life in this theatre. "Minerva" was incinerated in 1922. However, it was thoroughly renovated and in 1925, it regained its old status and play acting was resumed.
CURZON THEATRE (1893)
91, Harrison Road
Sisir Bhaduri, Amarendra Nath Dutta and actors of their ilk, performed here in those glorious years of Bengali Theatre. This theatre was once frequented by the Parsees. This was converted into a Cinema Hall. Today it stands as the popular 'Grace' show house.
JUVENILE THEATRE (1848)
The enthusiastic youth of Calcutta founded this theatre in the Coolie Bazar Area. Besides several English plays, the Shakespearean plays were also staged there regularly. Juvenile Theatre was established during the last days of Sans Sonsci. However, many theatres were established before and after it, Another theatre hall comes into reckoning at the Drummers Academy in Dharamtalla, where the famous tragedy 'Douglas' was staged on 20th January, 1824. Au reste, some theatres founded in the concluding phase of the 19th century by the Europeans viz., St. James' Theatre, Garrison Theatre, Royal Theatre, Fort William Theatre and the one at Lindsay Street owned by Mrs. English, deserve mention. Notable thespians viz., Emma Rodgers, George Anderson, Mrs. Graig, Dave Gurzon, Charles Matthews, Van Gailtrar, etc. delivered commendable performances in these theatres some time or the other. However, almost all of these theatres were short lived and could not stand the test of time.
OPERA HOUSE, GRAND OPERA (1867)
While proceeding towards the New Market from Chowringhee Road
via Lindsay Street, the 'Globe Cinema' stands on the right of the road.This show-house was known as the 'Opera House' in the earlier years. Then it was renamed the Grand Opera. This theatre house used to launch several Bengali plays simultaneously with English plays. The 'Hindu National Theatre' used to stage several plays here.
HINDU THEATRE (1831)
Prasanna Kumar Thakur had established the 'Hindu Theatre' in his garden-resort at Dihisunra. Extracts from 'Uttar Ramacharita' and 'Julius Caesar' were acted there. Sir Wilson was invited here for imparting lessons in acting and stage-designing. This theatre became extinct within a couple of years.
SHYAM BAZAAR THEATRE (1835)
Despite being an ersatz of a typical British theatre house, the Shyambazaar Theatre owned by Nabin Chandra Basu, was literally the first theatre established by a Bengali and the first launching pad for Bengali Drama. In those days of yore, today's Shyambazaar Tram Depot was the stable of stallions which pulled the trams. Previously, there was a stupendous building here.
The preceptors of acting, set/art designers, musicians, actors, actresses etc. were all Bengali. Daring women like Radhamani, Joy Durga, Raju etc. came out of 'purdah' and acted in those conservative days. 'Bidya Sundar' was an immensely popular play and was staged here for a couple of years successively. Nabin Chandra Basu the producer, had constructed the theatre and virtually got bankrupt in the process. However, this theatre did not survive for long.
RADHAKANTA DEV'S RESIDENCE (1844)
Nabakrishna Dev, the king of Shova Bazaar, was the dewan of Lord Clive. His grandson, Radhakanta Dev had once organized theatre shows at his dwelling place. He devolved the onus of selection of plays and took lessons on acting as an art, under the then renowned actor and stage manager Mr. Barry. On 19th October, 1844, two English plays were staged in the Shova Bazaar palace. The spectators comprised the dwellers of the palace, some Bengali elites and a few Britons. A whopping sum of more than one lakh rupees was spent for the one-night show. The portico of the temple beside the palace which has now given way to a garage, was once the place for holding theatre-shows. After the abolition of the 'National Theatre', the legendary Girish Ghosh and members of his erstwhile group acted on this stage for some time.
ORIENTAL SEMINARY THEATRE (1853)
In the year 1853, some ex-students of the Oriental Seminary decided to stage some of the Shakespearean plays in English at Garanhata. Keshav Chandra Gangopaddhaya and Priyanath Dutta were among the chief patrons, The first play staged there was 'Othello'. Tickets were priced at Rs. 2. The second play held there was 'Merchant of Venice'. Radhaprasad Basak played the role of Portia on the first night. However, Mrs. Greig played the same role on the following night. The third play was 'Henry IV' along with 'Amateurs' a brilliant satire. Another remarkable play 'Kulin Kula Sarvaswa' by Ram Narayan Tarkaratna was staged here and was highly appreciated.
BELGACHIA NATYASHALA (1858)
This was once the 'Belgachia Villa' of Prince Dwarakanath Thakur. Later on, Pratap Chandra Singha the king of Paikpara and Ishwar Chandra Singh built a theatre house at this place. On 31st July, 1858, the Bengali version of the Sanskrit play 'Ratnabali' was staged here. Madhusudan had grown an intimacy with this theatre. He translated 'Ratnabali' into English for this theatre and wrote the play 'Sharmishtha' expeditiously. He also wrote two spectacular plays viz., 'Padmavati' and 'Krishna Kumari' as well as a couple of satires for this stage. However, none of those could be acted on this stage.
BAGBAZAAR AMATEUR THEATRE (1868)/SHYAMBAZAAR NATYASAMAJ (1872)
Some illustrious residents of Bagbazaar like Nagendranath Bandopaddhaya, Radhamadhav Kar, Girish Chandra Ghosh, Ardhendu Shekhar Mustafi etc. founded a theatrical troupe in 1868. They staged the hilarious blockbuster 'Sadhaber Ekadashi' by Dinabandhu Mitra at the residence of Prankrishna Halder in Bagbazaar. This troupe got rechristened as 'Shyambazaar Natyasamaj' in 1872. They had also performed 'Lajbati' another marvelous composition by Dinabandhu Mitra on 11th May, 1872 in the residence of Rajendra Nath Pal at Shyambazaar.
NATIONAL THEATRE (1872)
Bengali Drama had started its glorious journey ahead with the spectacular play
'NeelDarpan' by Dinabandhu Mitra. The rehearsals of this play used to take place in the first floor of Bhuban Mohan Niyogi's house on the bank of the Ganga. The play was staged on 7th December, 1872 in the residence of Madhusudan Sanyal in Jorasanko. A protem stage was built and speculations started about the making of a permanent theatre house in Calcutta. The members of the 'Bagbazaar Amateur Theatre' and 'Shyambazaar Natyasamaj' put up their earnest endeavour for this noble cause. Finally, the National Theatre was founded at 356, Upper Chitpur Road. The building still exists, though with a different address (279, A/F, Rabindra Sarani). After the transfer of ownership, the house is now popularly known as 'Ghariwala Mallick Bari'.HOELAR-PLACE THEATRE (1797)
The Theatre which was founded here was in close proximity to the Raj Bhavan. The place derived its name from the name of Mr. Edward Hoelar and consequently, the theatre was also christened as Hoelar-Place Theatre. This was founded exclusively for the dignified British people. Women were prohibited to enter. The inaugural show at this Theatre on 21st February, 1797 was 'The Dramatist'. After that, several marvellous productions, viz., 'St. Patrick's Day', 'Three weeks after Marriage', 'The Moghul Tail', 'The Miner', 'Irishman in London', 'The Liar', 'The Caustic', 'The Anatomist', 'Doctor lost in his Charity' etc. were performed in this theatre.
ATHENIAM THEATRE (1812)
The Atheniam Theatre was inaugurated at 18, Lower Circular Road, on 30th March, 1842. The maiden plays held here were 'Earl of Success' and 'Raging the Wind' which were produced by Mr. Morris. The entry fee was a gold coin. However, the theatre was short-lived. Moreover, its address was changed frequently and today it is almost impossible to trace it out. Even, the Corporation has not preserved any documents anent to this glorious theatre house.
CHOWRINGHEE THEATRE (1813)
Some affluent British theatre-lovers along with a few Bengali elites founded this Theatre at Chowringhee Road. Accordingly, this also came to be known as the 'Subscription Theatre' Among the illustrious patrons who donated generously for this Theatre, the names of Mr. Hares Heman Wilson, D.L. Richardson, Dwarakanath Thakur etc. deserve mention. It was inaugurated on 25th November, 1813 and the maiden play held here was a remarkable tragedy named 'Castle Spectre'. Several dramas were performed here in course of time.
The actors in the initial days were amateurs. Later, some renowned professional actors joined this troupe breaking away from the big banners. But, the Theatre was staggering due to acute financial stringency. In 1835, Prince Dwarakanath Thakur purchased it and made some drastic renovations. Unfortunately, in 1839, this Theatre was completely incinerated. After that it was never revamped and play acting was never resumed here.
TOWN HALL (1814)
A lottery was arranged and from the huge collection, the 'Town Hall'
was built in 1814 to the west of Esplanade Row at a whopping Rs. 7 lacs in those days. However, it should be borne in mind that it was not built for staging of plays but for the proper maintenance of sculptures. Mrs. Litch performed a play 'The Card Party' in 1836 for the first time here. The play became extremely popular. Later on, legendary actors viz., Girish Ghosh, Dharmadas Sur and artistes of their ilk, performed there for some time. The Town Hall exists even to this day with all its pristine glory.KIDDERPORE THEATRE (1815)
The British had founded a Theatre at Kidderpore, probably in the year 1815. Not much information is available about this theatre except that a play named 'The Lying Valet', was performed here on 28th August, 1815.
DUM DUM THEATRE (1817)
Mr. Charles Franklin had founded this Theatre near Dum Dum for the entertainment and refreshment of soldiers. The soldiers were garrisoned in the camps. The Theatre was popularly known as 'Little Drury'. Mr. Franklin used to play the protagonist. Besides, there were a galaxy of talented artistes viz., Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Gotlair, Mrs. Bland, Mrs. Litch, etc. Later, they broke away and joined the 'Chowringhee Theatre' and 'Baithakkhana Theatre'. Subsequently, this Theatre perished after the demise of Mr. Franklin.
BAITHAKKHANA THEATRE (1824)
This Theatre was built at the junction of Bowbazaar and Circular Road in the residence of Mr. Daulat Khansama in 1824. Some outstanding artistes used to perform there which made it immensely popular in a short time. Some of the spectacular productions were 'Raging the Wind', 'Itch for Himself', 'The Lying Valet', 'The Young Widow', 'My Landlady's Gown' etc. But the Theatre was short-lived. It was unable to face the formidable challenge of the 'Chowringhee Theatre'.
SANS SONSCI (1839)
In the year 1839, Mr. Stocklar and Mrs. Litch founded this Theatre near Raj Bhavan. Brilliant plays like 'The Carnival Ball', 'One Hour', 'Naval Engagement', 'Shocking Events' etc. were staged here. The success of the aforesaid plays inspired the authorities who decided to found a larger theatre hall. Accordingly, money was collected and at last it was built in Park Street where stands the St. Xavier's College of today. The inaugural play held in the new Theatre was 'The Wife'. Tragedy struck the Theatre when Mrs. Litch caught fire while performing 'The Handsome Husband' and died a pathetic death. The last play staged at Sans Sonsci was in 1849.
THE PLAY HOUSE (1753)
The British established a theatre in the mid-17th century for encouraging dance and
drama. It was constructed on Lalbazaar Street, at the eastern flank of Lal Dighi. There is no authentic evidence or document about the time when it was founded and the plays which were performed there. However, we come to know about this Theatre from a painting by William Wills. But this Theatre could not stand the test of time. In course of time, it has given way to the office of the Martin Burn which stands to this day.CALCUTTA THEATRE (1775)
This Theatre was the second one of its kind, built by the British in the northern end of Ly
ons' Range. Mr. George William founded this Theatre during the time of Warren Hastings. It cost more than Rs. 1 lakh. Hastings, Morrison, Richard Barwell, Sir Eliga Impe, Hide, and Chambers were the ardent patrons behind the foundation of this Theatre.Calcutta Theatre flourished rapidly for thirty-three years till 1808. Later, Mr. Gopi Mohan Thakur purchased it and established a market in its place. The market still exists and is popularly known as the New China Market.
Some of the outstanding productions of this theatre were 'The Poor Soldiers', 'The Fair Penitent', 'Venice Preserved', 'Boston', 'Who is the Duke?', 'The Author', 'Merchant of Venice', 'The Irish Widow', 'The Revenge', 'The Critic' etc.
The entry fee in this Theatre was a gold coin for the box and eight Shikka Takas for the pit.
MRS. BRISTO'S PRIVATE THEATRE (1789)
The third theatre established by the British was inside the premises of the
new fort. Mr. John Bristo, the senior merchant, resided in a house inside the fort. His spouse, Mrs. Ema Bristo built this private theatre in 1789. The maiden play performed here was 'The Poor Soldier.' Mrs. Bristo was a quintessential actress and gave brilliant performances. However, the Theatre ceased to exist for long. Busteed wrote in the book entitled 'Echoes from Old Calcutta' that "..... Mrs. Ema Bristo went back to England in the year 1790. For long, Calcutta refused to be comforted."BENGALI THEATRE (1795)
Gerasim S. Lebedef founded this Theatre on 1st July, 1795 at 25, Domatalla Street, However, it is difficult to trace its exact location today. It was probably situated on Ezra Street. Mr. W.H. Carrey praised it highly in his book entitled 'The good old days of honorable John Company.' In it, he has written "..... there existed in 1795, another theatre in Domatalla, in a lane leading out of Old China Bazar and very near to the other theatre." By the 'other theatre', he meant the Calcutta Theatre. An old document of the Central Board of Calcutta Corporation revealed that the name 'Damatalla' was later converted to Ezra Street and 25, Damatalla became 37, Ezra Street in course of time.
MADHUSUDAN MANCHA
This has been constructed by the State Government adjacent to the Dhakuria Bridge. Cultural programmes and plays are held here almost regularly. This has become a very popular playhouse within a short span of time.
UTTAM MANCHA
Situated in South Calcutta, this playhouse has been built in memory of the quintessential actor, 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar, in an area where the great actor used to live. It has a private ownership.
IMPERIAL THEATRE, MOONLIGHT THEATRE (1939)
30, Tarachand Dutta Street
The Moonlight Cinema of to-day was a playhouse in the thirties. Till the terminal phase of the sixties, plays were regularly staged here.
KALIKA THEATRE (1944)
5, Sadananda Road
This was constructed in the decade of the forties on Sadananda Road. 'Baikunther Will' was the maiden play to be staged here. In course of time, several professional productions took place here. In 1951, it was converted to 'Kalika' movie-house which stands to this day.
RAILWAY MANSION INSTITUTION (1910) /
NETAJI SUBHASH MANCHA (1975)
301/1, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road
In the formative years, plays were staged here quite irregularly. However, the forties brought a fresh lease of air in the world of Bengali Theatre. A different stream of acting became popular and plays started to be held regularly. The 'Gana Natya Sangha' staged several plays here. Apart from these, the distinguished 'Bahuroopi' group, staged many of their plays here. In 1975, this 'Mancha' was rechristened as Netaji Subhash Mancha. 'Bibar', a professional play, was staged at that time which was highly acclaimed. The stage exists to this day but there is an acute drought of plays.
QASIM BAZAR RAJBARI/BANGIYA NATYA SAMSAD (1950)
Acharja Prafulla Chandra Road
Play-acting commenced here in the fifties in a small hall-room with scanty space which could not accomodate a large number of spectators. This stage was built under the patronage of Somendra Chandra Nandi who was a resident-member of that edifice. Tickets were not sold from here for public shows.
NEW EMPIRE
1, 2, Humayun Place
Rabindranath Thakur had staged many of his unique operas and dance-dramas here. Since then, it has been the venue for several plays in diverse languages at different times. In the fifties and sixties, it was deluged with remarkable plays staged by talented groups like Bahuroopi, Nandikar etc., especially on holiday mornings. The afternoons and evenings made way for screening of movies. It stands gracefully to this day as an exclusive cinema hall.
MUSLIM INSTITUTE HALL/GHALIB THEATRE
75/3, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road
In the sixties and seventies, plays were staged here irregularly. Prior to this, in the forties and fifties, the Gana Natya Sangha had staged few of their plays here. Professional theatre was regularly held on this stage in the stormy seventies. To-day, this building is used as a venue for social functions and is offered on rent.
CALCUTTA UNIVERSITY CENTENARY HALL (1957)
87, College Street
The famous Senate House was demolished which gave way to a wonderful playhouse in the newly constructed building. It had a capacity of 1,500 spectators. Plays were staged here irregularly and movies were also shown on occasions.
MAHAJATI SADAN (1958)
156, Chittaranjan Avenue
The foundation stone of this building conceived by Subhash Chandra Basu, was laid by Rabindranath Thakur on 19th August, 1939. It was opened for the masses in 1958. After that, professional theatre was held here regularly. At present, play-acting has become erratic. Besides, several cultural programmes are also held here now a days.
KASHI BISWANATH MANCHA (1963)
20/2C, Canal West Road
This stage was built with the purpose of rolling money and the productions were highly professional. The versatile actor Soumitra Chattopaddhaya has produced some plays on this stage with eclat. Some of the remarkable plays are 'Naam Jeeban', 'Fera' etc.
MUKTA ANGAN (1962)
123, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road
Initially, this stage was built on a protem basis. This was incinerated later which led the authorities to reconstruct it - this time on a permanent basis and much stronger. The sixties saw this theatre as the seat of performing art. It was a paradise for the leading theatre groups in those days. The tradition still continues. The 'Sauvanik' group stages its plays regularly in this theatre.
RABINDRA SADAN
A.J.C. Bose Road, Cathedral Road
Situated on the southeast corner of the Maidan, the Rabindra Sadan is the seat of Bengali - culture where drama cultural programmes & exhibitions are held regularly. Nandan show-house behind Rabindra Sadan is Calcutta's prime place of cine culture. It is a cultural centre for film enthusiasts and professionals, largely patronised by the late Satyajit Roy who inaugurated Nandan and designed its intriguing emblem. Its three motion picture theatres have the best screening facilities in Calcutta. One hall is used largely by film clubs to screen art movies for their members. It is situated adjacent to the Academy of Fine Arts Complex.
PRATAP MEMORIAL HALL (1987)
84, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road
Initially, it was built for holding conventions of the Brahma Samaj. In 1967, it was revamped by Amar Ghosh as a theatre stage, for holding novel theatrical productions. The theatre hall still exists. Several professional plays are held here.
KALA MANDIR
48, Shakespeare Sarani
The gorgeous building stands towards the west of the junction of Circular Road and Theatre Road (Shakespeare Sarani). It has a huge stage on the first floor. Below it is situated a small stage. Several plays in different languages, are held on these stages. Hindi and Bengali plays are the most happening and popular ones.
ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (1970)
Cathedral Road
The concept of group theatre has become inextricably linked with this beautiful stage situated between Rabindra Sadan and Cathedral Church. Several plays in diverse languages are held here. Although it was constructed with the fundamental objective of housing theatrical productions, it also holds special 'Jatras' and movie shows. In the academy, there is a gallery for exhibition of fine arts viz., painting. In the early seventies, the distinguished playwright Badal Sarkar started his novel form of theatre - the 'third theatre' at this place. In the sprawling lawns leading to the Academy, Safdar Hasmi and his group had staged the play 'Aurat' in the early eighties.
RAMMOHAN MANCHA (1974)
67, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road
In the seventies, this stage was used for launching many professional theatrical productions. At present, this stage remains almost unused and is on the way of becoming a thing of the past. In 1978, this 'Mancha' became immensely popular and pulled the crowds as Tripti Mitra and Ajitesh Bandyopaddhay staged the unique play 'Thana Theke Aschi' and delivered stellar performances.
ABAN MAHAL (1974)
The C.L.T. took the initiative in building this playhouse. All sorts of plays are staged here. However, it has attained the maximum popularity for hosting the children's plays.
RANGANA (1974)
153/2A, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road
After the construction of this playhouse was over, the 'Nandeekar' theatre group used to stage their productions regularly which made 'Rangana' very popular among the Bengali spectators and theatre lovers. Professional Theatre still takes places regularly on this stage. The chief organiser is Mr. Ganesh Mukhopaddhaya. Besides, the playhouse is also used for launching plays of diverse tastes.
TAPAN THEATRE (1976)
37-A, B Sadananda Road
This playhouse has been primarily built for staging the commercial plays. Simultaneously, it also holds the plays staged by the group theatres.
SARKARINA (1976)
6, Raja Rajkrishna Street
Sarkarina was constructed in the mid seventies and was the brainchild of Amar Ghosh. Its salient feature is that it has been made in imitation of 'Theatre in the Round'. The stage is revolving. It can also be elevated and pulled down as and when required.
JOGESH MIME ACADEMY (1977)
This is situated beside the Kalighat Tram Depot. In the early days, commercial productions were also launched here along with the group theatre shows. The quintessential mimic Jogesh Dutta used to perform mime shows on this stage built and designed by himself. The 'Padabali' group of Dutta, delivered umpteen brilliant performances on this stage.
SUJATA SADAN (1977)
This playhouse was constructed in the seventies on Hazra Road. Profession commercial plays are staged here regularly.
SISHIR MANCHA (1978)
1/1, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road
This has been built under the aegis of the State Government and named after the legendary actor-director Sishir Bhaduri. This 'Manch' is used for holding group-theatre shows as well as several cultural programmes of diverse tastes.
AHINDRA MANCHA (1978)
Situated beside the Chetla Park, the 'Ahindra Mancha' has been built by the State Government, not far away from the house of Ahindra Chowdhury, another legendary actor of Bengal. The Government patronizes the drama festivals which are held on this Mancha. Besides, it also hosts the group theatre shows.
BIJAN THEATRE (1979)
5A, Raja Rajkrishna Street
Bijan Theatre is situated opposite the 'Rangana' playhouse. It is a paradise for different theatre groups to stage their shows. Simultaneously, it also holds regular commercial shows. This is the playhouse which once hosted the immensely popular plays 'Judge Saheb' and 'Sreemati Bhayankari' which were produced by Shekhar Chattopaddhaya.
BASUDEB MANCHA (1979)
Bhabanath Sen Lane
This playhouse was built in the terminal phase of the seventies exclusively for commercial productions. This was inaugurated with 'Bhanga Garar Khela', a play composed by Beeru Mukherjee. After this, 'Great Eastern Hotel', a play by notable playwright Badal Sarkar, was staged here for some time. At present, this playhouse has been transformed into a market.
JNAN MANCHA
11, Pretoria Street
Plays in diverse languages are launched here. However the shows are not held regularly.
GORKY SADAN (1974)
3, Gorky Terrace
This playhouse is used for launching plays and projection of films on certain conditions. The Lebedef Drama Circle had staged their unique productions here.
BIRLA ACADEMY
Southern Avenue
A small 'Mancha' or stage is ensconced in a huge and gorgeous building. Plays are held here irregularly.
GIRISH MANCHA (1986)
76/1, Bagbazaar Street
This was constructed under Government patronage. It is situated in a place which is intertwined with the sacred memories of the legendary actor, director and play wright Girish Chandra Ghosh. It has become very popular among the masses.
BIRLA SABHAGHAR
19, Queen's Park
The Birla Temple on Gariahat Road is a stupendous structure noted for its architectural brilliance. A stage has been built in the basement of this magnificent temple. Cultural programmes are held here almost regularly. Plays are also staged at times.
ABAN MANCHA
In the 'Sangeet Bhaban' (Department of Music) of the Rabindra Bharati University, a stage has been built. The 'drama' students rehearse here and launch their plays regularly. A few decades ago, an attempt was made to sell tickets from the 'Aban Mancha' to enable the masses to watch the spectacular plays of Rabindranath Thakur.
RATHINDRA MANCHA
This playhouse is situated in the campus of the Rabindra Bharati University. All sorts of cultural programmes, 'Jatra Shows' and theatres are held here almost regularly.
