A LIFETIME ON STAGE

The Madras Players celebrate theatre maestro PC Ramakrishna's legacy with three of his iconic plays in A Retrospective

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THIS YEAR PC Ramakrishna celebrates a remarkable milestone, 60 years dedicated to theatre. A stalwart of The Madras Players, the oldest English theatre group in India, he has witnessed and shaped the evolution of English theatre from European classics to Indian narratives. To mark this journey, the group presents A Retrospective, with three of his landmark productions—Water, Lakshmikantan, and Mercy. Each play reflects his passion, innovation, and lifelong commitment to Indian storytelling on stage. We speak with him about his journey, his reflections on theatre, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation. Excerpts:

What inspired you to become a theatre artiste?

I grew up in Kolkata in the 1950s, where Bengali theatre was vibrant with actors like Tripti Mitra. School and college theatre kept that passion alive. I started as an actor in 1965. My first direction at Loyola College in 1969 led to an invitation to join The Madras Players, which shaped my journey in English theatre.

Why these three plays for Retrospective?