A Lifetime of Performances: Ebrahim Alkazi

Ebrahim Alkazi is a name inseparable from modern art. A man who was driven by a passion for theatrics also became one who managed to inspire a whole generation of cultured theatre-goers. Much like his art galleries, his collective contribution to theatrics has a beauty that comes only from being sharpened to a point by rigorous self-discipline.

Ebrahim Alkazi: The Father of Modern Indian Theatre. Source : indinexpress

For several photography fanatics, Ebrahim Alkazi is the link between their community and theatre enthusiasts. The man himself was born and brought up in a high-class society, yet his art reaches the corners of South Asia that many political influencers find hard to penetrate. In such a scenario, his background privilege only amplifies his outreach to those who share the same passions.

Nicknamed Elk, his friends have termed him a curator and a director who liked to use ‘juxtaposition’ to ‘excite’ his audience. Many might call him the father of modern Indian theatre.

Alkazi pushed the new generation towards art that is profoundly modern. These are styles that often aid artists in exploring their individuality but also lead to chaos in galleries. Alkazi harnessed the individuality of these artists in collections that can be compared to an orchestra, rather than allowing them to fade into the vastness of the industry. He creatively managed to amplify their voices in a choir. This activity has popularly been called 'shuffling the pack’ through a series of his curated displays titled 'This is Modern Art'.

'Opening Lines', a curation by Ebrahim Alkazi. Source: Art Heritage Gallery.

One of his most talked-about achievements is the establishment of The Alkazi Foundation for Art (AFK). A ‘charitable trust dedicated to the preservation and study of the cultural history of India.’ Take his popularity and fame out of the picture, and you will find a professional hoarder of 19th-century photographs. His fascination with pictures has been passed on to his active followers all over the internet as well. The foundation has enabled several scholars to research contemporary art and produce publications and exhibitions that remain memorable to the public.

Alkazi, in the world of theatre, was known to be more of a disciplinarian. The sharpened talent of actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri is credited to his teaching. His position as a mentor for drama had already been solidified by his unique perspective on theatre, and with the Padmashri, Padmabhusan, and Padmavibhusan under his belt, he was the ultimate theatre guru.

Alkazi's adaptation of Western elements suited his Indian audience well. Yet, it was a period when India, as a hub of theatrics, had developed so far and so quickly that it was difficult to make a mark if one lacked authenticity. Even with his affluent education received at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Alkazi would perhaps have found difficulty standing out if not for his dedication to the field.

Through his development of training methods for theatre artists, Alkazi found a need for a permanent space to rehearse and practice without hindrance. This he overcame by building the Meghdoot Theatre on the terrace of his family home in Bombay. The structure is recognised today as a monument of progress for India in the South Asian theatre scenario.

The Meghdoot Theatre in Bombay, 1961. Source: Alkazi Foundation archives.

The 1950's saw Alkazi in full swing with his carefully planned guide packed within the term of two years. It welcomed theatre artists, aspiring or those seeking to improve, to tap into a wider range of skills, including music, dance, and direction, besides acting. Through rigorous training, it wasn't only the artists but also the audience and their tastes being converted by Alkazi. He fairly changed the expectations held for theatrics and reintroduced a new-found respect for art.

Among ancient pioneers like Bharat Muni and Kalidasa giving form to Indian drama, Alkazi played the pivotal role as their successor. Fulfilling his responsibility by furthering the reach of art beyond the national borders, he reinstated India's position in the field of performing arts post-independence. This also changed the audience's approach to cinema, largely due to a positive perception of theatre and the arts. It is due to this diligence that we, as an audience, get to witness improving artistry in India even today.