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Audiences are key to magic of theatre

All art is an illusion and pretends to be real because it depicts reality (Neelam Man Singh Chowdhry’s article, “Good theatre needs good audience”, Oct 30). The suspension of disbelief is the hallmark of every performing art as we are transferred to an imaginary world, which is highly convincing and logical besides being artistic, beautiful and believable.

Now to create the required effect and justify the purpose and theme successfully, the emotional response of the audience is as necessary and vital to the performance of the artists. The delicate subtleties of the performance can be realised and cherished if the audiences have the required sensibility and are on the same wavelength as the performers. This coordination is possible only if the viewers observe complete discipline and show utmost patience.

Audiences must understand that they are not going for a picnic or a party, but are going to watch something serious, meaningful, aesthetic, innovative and lofty. They can be reminded of their responsibility by issuing a pamphlet carrying the dos and don’ts at the entry gate of the auditorium.

CHAMAN ARORA, Ferozepore City

Why keep mum on Sharmila’s fast?

Is it not a slap on the world’s largest democratic country India’s face when a 38-year old Iron Lady of Manipur, Irom Sharmila, completed 10 years of her indefinite fast demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, from Manipur? Why is she on a saline drip forced by the authorities in a ward of the J N Hospital in Imphal since 2000? Why doesn’t the government hear her views sympathetically on AFSPA, which is almost the copybook of the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance, 1942, promulgated by then British government in 1942 in the context of the Quit India movement by the Indian National Congress?

It’s a pity that the Justice B P Jeevan Reddy Commission (constituted by the Government of India in 2004) to review this draconian law to “more humane” Act, submitted a 147-page report on the issue on June 6, 2005, clearly stating that the Act be repealed. But like other commission report, it is gathering dust.

Our so-called activists, political parties and the media remain mum on Irom Sharmila’s protest against this draconian law. Is it because she wants to sacrifice her life but is not vociferous as other activists. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should either implement the Jeevan Reddy Commission report immediately or hold talks with Ms Sharmila on how to change this law. This would help not only save her life but the grievances of thousands of others in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad

Adarsh scam

The editorial “Adarsh loot” (Nov 2) has aptly exposed the robbery of flats by our VVIPs in the name of Kargil heroes. Who will protect the nation when custodians become dacoits? Is it not an appalling to note that a six-storey structure has become a 31 storey-tower even without clearance from Costal Regulation Zone?

The involvement of Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, senior defence officers, including former Army and Naval chiefs, bureaucrats and leaders of other political parties is deplorable. Surely the guilty cannot wash the stains of the loot from their hands by returning their flats.

The confiscation of the Adarsh Housing Society building by the government will be an exemplary punishment for the people who committed crimes against Kargil heroes and their families. Strict action is the need of the hour to set the house in order.

Capt S K DATTA, Abohar

The Adarsh Housing Society is a “model” for tricksters. Be it politicians or the corrupt bureaucrats of the Ministry of Defence, all of them are trying to snatch the rights of the Armed Forces. Be it pay, perks or pensions, Kargil war heroes and war widows have been denied their rights. Worse still no leader is worried about their plight.

The government is trying to put their failings under the carpel. Let us hope, there is redemption and the culprits are punished and justice delivered at the earliest.

GURDEV SINGH, SAS Nagar

Free power

The editorial “Free power for farmers” (Nov 5) rightly rues the pitiable economic condition of Punjab. The Sukhbir-Kalia committee, in fact, was an eye wash aimed at humbling Mr Manpreet Singh Badal, by showing to people that only Mr Sukhbir Badal and Mr Manoranjan Kalia are their well-wishers.

Using misleading propaganda at the government expense, they tried to out-manoeuvre the former Finance Minister. The state needs revival of the economy. Unnecessary expenditure on VIPs security must be stopped.

GURMIT SINGH SAINI, SAS Nagar

The decision of the Punjab Government to give free power again is not at all in the interest of the state (news report, Nov 4). If at all, it was to be given, it should have been given to the small farmers having less than five acres of land.

I don’t think the big farmers having tens of acres of land, cannot afford to pay power bills. The decision to give free power has been taken to appease the vote banks. The interests of the people of Punjab who are deprived of uninterrupted power supply, water supply and good roads network, etc are ignored.

MANA FEROZEPURI, Ferozepur city

“Valuable” tips

Amar Chandel’s middle “Speaker of my dreams” (Oct. 23) was interesting.

The writer’s tips to the Speaker harried/harassed by the wanton antics staged by legislators on the floor of the House are timely. Put into practice, the tips may help the Speaker conduct the proceedings rather smoothly.

TARA CHAND, Ambota. (Una)