Chandigarh Tribune, Chandigarh Tuesday, February 13, 2007
“A fair measure of art should be introduced in curriculum at all levels
of education with an emphasis on developing inborn creative potential
of individuals” believe film actors Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabharwal.
Deeply involved in reinterpreting the role of performing arts, both the cousin sisters have brought a renaissance in children theatre activity. Lushin and Bubbles are gifted with the traits of a prolific writer, actor and director. Their long partnership is viewed in artistic circles as the union of intellect and innovative force.
In the city for staging a English play, “The Ascent of Man-I” under the aegis of the Durga Das Foundation with the Tribune group of newspapers as media sponsor, the two talked to Chandigarh Tribune.
Credited with playing lead roles in six feature films, including the Canadian English productions- “Partition” and “Murder Unveiled” – Lushin Dubey had acted in several TV serials like “Rajdhani” and “Kashmir” besides producing and directing unique English theatre plays.
Lushin feels rejuvenated at being nominated for the prestigious Canadian Gemini “International award for her classic role in “Murder Unveiled” premiered at the Singapore film festival.
But the theatre remains her first love as she recalls the adulation showered
upon her way back in 1997 when her production, “Othello” won the Edinburgh
Fringe Fest and also for her portrayal of Desdemona.
The urge to do something more meaningful and explore the vibrant medium
of theatre grew stronger in Bubbles Sabharwal. “
The concept of children theatre was based on our close study of the realities of life. Working with child artists is 10 times more difficult than the adult actors but it is really satisfying” adds Bubbles. “
During theatre workshops, I have to act as a surrogate mother, caring for tiny tots” she laughs. Our more theatre projects, aimed at acquainting the children with country’s history and cultural traditions, are in the offing. The children theatre has not caught the fancy of theatre promoters and no patronage is coming forth but there exists a potential for its growth, adds Bubbles Sabharwal.