About Prithvi Theatre

The Prithvi Theatre is a subsidiary of the Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust & Research Foundation. The Trust was set up in 1975 in the memory of Prithviraj Kapoor, to achieve the following aims:

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to build a theatre to promote professional Hindi theatre primarily, with all technical facilities available
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subsidising and promoting aspiring and deserving stage artists, technicians, researchers etc.
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managing a theatre of international standards - hosting and conducting workshops
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providing rehearsal and workshop spaces
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creating a theatre resource center and research library (under construction)
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providing medical and educational assistance to theatre workers and their children

The Prithvi Theatre is a completely non-profit entity depending on the patronage of individuals and companies committed to the development of the performing and fine arts. Since its inception it is these sponsors who have enabled the theatre to grow and expand its activities.


Our Philosophy

We seek to be a catalyst for theatre – we were set up to promote and inspire the greatest possible professionalism in theatre, and we continue to work with that objective in mind.

Underlying everything we do – bringing it all together – is the Prithvi approach, or the Prithvi Way:

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An open welcoming attitude – the theatre itself is built this way, with no main gate, just an opening which literally draws people of the path and into the theatre compound. Groups access Prithvi equipment and property easily, and are invited to make the theatre their home for the days they perform here.
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A realistic sense of doing theatre in the country, which means we are mindful of unnecessary expenditure, but will not compromise on the needs of a production.
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A deep respect for the performance as the sacred space – no latecomers, an ongoing effort to quell cell phones, a staff and all volunteers trained to do their utmost to provide for the needs of the performance – to constantly think of what is possible rather than what is not allowed!
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We also do our utmost, in theatre events created by us, to ensure that every seat has an audience member sitting in it. Complimentary tickets are never handed out, but are picked up at the venue and released 15 minutes before showtime, so that others eager audiences get a chance to see the show though last minute sales.
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A belief in other peoples ideas, and in our role as a catalyst to help those ideas towards fruition. Thus PTNotes – our monthly newsletter, a brainchild of the editor Ramu Ramanathan, Dhamaal which keep resurrecting itself under many umbrellas - a brainchild of Satyadev Dubey – Prithvi gave space and Dubey ran it originally. Keli Festivals – initially held in collaboration with Prithvi, and now gets our full logistical support. Marathi theatre on last weekend of every month – space given to Awishkar. Segments of our Festivals. You have a practical idea to contribute to the growth of and interest in theatre, Prithvi will mobilize its resources to help you on your way.
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Constantly evolving, questioning ourselves, re-evaluating our work.