Debasish Sen Sharma, a story teller in films & theatre

Debashish Sen Sharma started his career as a copywriter with an ad agency. But, soon he realised that he is not carved out for a full-time job. So, he took up to freelancing, where he would write newspaper columns, scripts and film reviews. A self-taught film maker, Debashish is highly influenced by the late theatre veteran Badal Sarkar’s theatre methodologies. Till date, he incorporates his idol’s notion of space management, body movements and thematic collaborations in his theatre group Bihangam. 

In a chat with My Theatre Cafe, Debashish tells us about the concept of positive psychology in his theatre, his future plans and more.

You have been associated with theatre since the last 20 years. Tell us more about your group.

A: Well, I have been associated with many groups in these years. Sometimes as a director, sometimes as just a playwright, sometimes as an acting supervisor, and sometimes as an actor, or may be all four of them together. Currently, I am associated to ‘Bihangam’, where I write, direct and conduct workshops with children only.

How do you incorporate the elements of ‘positive psychology’ in theatre?

A: Theatre gives us a kind of connectivity, both intra group and outside. Positive psychology acts here as a therapeutic element to communicate and know yourself better. Positive psychology analyses your happiness and locates your strength areas. Its application in theatre, in turn, helps to express your character in a better way.

Emotive kids perform

How is theatre for children different from theatre for adults? Do you use any particular demarcations while working with both of them?

A: I don’t bracket out children theatre as a different genre of activity. What varies may be, is the working technique. Like, while working with the adults, you expect some knowledge base on which you can form your instructions. But while working with children, you may have to explain the things in a much simpler way. But I use almost the same theatre workshops and styles with children as I use with adults. I find children more receptive and disciplined.

Whose work in theatre inspires you? Do you try to involve any inspirations in the kind of theatre you do?

A: If you want me to take one single name as my inspiration in theatre, then that has to be one and only Badal Sircar. I did a workshop with him during my university days, which actually changed my perception towards theatre. Till today, I try to use those techniques on space management, body movements and thematic collaborations in my theatre. Apart from him, I am hugely indebted to the works of Habib Tanvir, Kanhailal, Rudrapsad Sengupta, Utpal Dutt and many others.

From being a journalist to a film maker, how did the transition happen?

A: After I did my Masters in English and Film Studies, I started my career in advertising as a copywriter. But soon I found myself unfit for any kind of office job and was not been able to do justice to my theatre and hence decided on a freelance living. I started writing. I used to write scripts, write columns for newspaper along with movie reviews. All these experiences developed the film maker self in me, a self who could observe and tell stories in the audio visual medium. I got a chance to work in a television project and my pen turned to a camera.

Tell us about your feature film Bicycle Kick. When can we expect a nationwide release?

A: Bicycle Kick is my debut film, which talks of a turnaround story of an ordinary guy. Is this a sports film, a film with a social message, an experimental film or an ordinary youth film, people often confuse its genre. But for me, it encompasses all. Whatever, this is surely a film on positive psychology, where football is used a tool. The film got a pretty good response here in Bengal and in some film festivals in India. No plans of nationwide release as yet. But I am eagerly forward to invitations from any sectors, be it an organization or institution, to exhibit my movie.

Any advice for theatre or film aspirants?

A: The only advice is to observe people and have an open mind to enrich yourself in all possible ways. Never stop learning your trade. The rest will fall in place.

What are you currently doing?

A: Currently, I am working on two scripts to make my next feature films. If things go right, I may start shooting my next film by October. I am also directing a new play with a mix cast of both children and adults for the first time in my life. The rest of the time occupies my engagement in taking classes in Universities and doing different workshops on theatre and film.

What are your future plans?

A: To extend my work in theatre in extensive ways, working with school children and corporates. Planning to launch TIE in Kolkata and working accordingly. Many stories are floating in my mind. Need to pen them down properly and make feature films out of them.

For more updates about Debashish’s latest release, visit https://www.facebook.com/BicycleKickBengaliMovie

The author of the article also writes for www.mytheatrecafe.com
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