Ebrahim Alkazi: Holding Time Captive - A discussion celebrating the launch of Amal Allana's new book

Hailed as the father of modern Indian theatre, Ebrahim Alkazi's legacy is etched in the annals of Indian cultural history. He was a towering figure in the twentieth-century theatrical panorama and a key promoter of the visual arts movement. His life is now meticulously documented in the inaugural full-length account by his daughter.

Step into the heart of a literary and theatrical celebration with the Mumbai launch of the biography. The speakers will unravel the multifaceted influence of Ebrahim Alkazi, transcending the boundaries of both stage and canvas.  Their insightful dialogue will delve into his transformative impact on the theatre scene in Bombay and later in Delhi, a journey that significantly elevated the prominence of Hindi theatre on the global stage.

Join us for an unforgettable evening, heightened by the distinguished presence of Filmmaker Shyam Benegal as the chief guest, along with captivating readings from the book by Singer-Composer Sonam Kalra and Director & Actor Rehaan Engineer.

Ebrahim Alkazi’s Early Life and Introduction to Theatre

Ebrahim Alkazi, born in Pune on October 18, 1925, had a rich cultural upbringing with his family's deep interest in the arts. He was the son of a wealthy Saudi Arabian businessman who traded in India and a Kuwaiti mother. Growing up among nine siblings, Alkazi's family eventually migrated to Pakistan; however, he chose to remain in India.

He received his early education in Arabic, English, Marathi, and Gujarati. He attended St. Vincent's High School in Pune for his schooling and later pursued further studies at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. His introduction to the world of theatre came when he joined director Sultan Padamsee's theatre group from 1950 to 1954. This experience ignited his passion for the performing arts and set him on a path toward becoming a renowned figure in Indian theatre.

In 1947, Ebrahim Alkazi further honed his craft by receiving training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. This formal education laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to the world of theatre and cemented his legacy as a pioneering figure in Indian dramatic arts.

Alkazi’s Tenure at the National School of Drama

In the 1950s, Ebrahim Alkazi set up a School of Dramatic Art at Bhulabhai Desai Memorial Institute, connecting with artists from the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group such as MF Husain, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, Nasreen Mohamedi, and VS Gaitonde. His impact extended further as he curated a series of exhibitions titled "This is Modern Art" at the Jehangir Art Gallery.

The Indian Government invited him to prepare a blueprint for the National School of Drama in 1954 in New Delhi. By 1962, he assumed the role of Director and revolutionized theatre training by introducing a high degree of professionalism. Under his leadership, a three-year-long course was introduced with a specialization in acting or theatre design. Alkazi ensured that his students were trained in the art/craft of acting and theatre making. The students were introduced to the ethics of being in theatre, maintaining personal hygiene, punctuality, arranging/organizing rehearsals, making tea, sweeping the stage, ironing costumes, and cleaning the toilets. These activities were an integral aspect of training as creating a character.

He was intrigued by the diversity of folk and classical Indian performance traditions and used them in his performances. He also introduced Kathakali, Tamasha, Nautanki, Yoga, and Bhavai, along with Noh and Kabuki, into the acting training process at the school. Alkazi developed several new performance spaces within the school, including the intimate 200-seater studio theatre and the beautiful open-air Meghddot theatre in Rabindra Bhavan.

Notable Plays and Achievements

More than 50 plays were directed by Alkazi, including works by celebrated Indian playwrights such as Girish Karnad, Dharmvir Bharti, Mohan Rakesh, and Mahesh Elkunchwar, as well as several adaptations of Shakespeare. He worked with Sanskrit classics like Kalidasa and Shudraka, translating and staging their works in colloquial Hindi. Additionally, he engaged with modern and classical Western playwrights such as Sophocles, Moliere, and Osborne. Tughlaq, Lehron Ke Rajhans, Ashad Ka Ek Din, Andha Yug, Mrichchakatikam, Razia Sultan, and Viraasat were some of the plays based on Indian history and mythology with which he was involved.

Alkazi's accolades include being the first recipient of Roopwedh Pratishtan’s Tanvir Award (2004) and receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for direction in 1962. His contributions were also recognized with three Padma awards, including Padma Shri (1966) for distinguished service; Padma Bhushan (1991) for distinguished service of high order; and Padma Vibhushan (2010) for exceptional and distinguished service for his invaluable contributions to Indian theatre.