Natarang Pratishthan

Natarang Pratishthan boasts a carefully organised library with an impressive collection of rare books and journals. Constant efforts are made to expand this wealth of material. The library offers researchers and scholars access to a substantial catalogue of 5,000 books and 3,500 journals, systematically indexed for effortless reference. The journals, many of which are complete bound sets, date back to 1931. The books encompass diverse subjects, including plays, dramatic criticism, culture, music, fine art, dance, folklore, mythology, philosophy, and various theatre-related aspects, presented in multiple languages.

Natarang Pratishthan holds a precious collection of photographic records that shed light on Indian theatre, particularly in the early twentieth century, when such documentation was scarce. With over 17,000 photographs, it offers a visual journey through actors, directors, traditional and contemporary stage performances, and cultural festivals. Some of these images date back to the 1920s, capturing the essence of performances by the Gubbi theatre. Notably, some photographs represent the sole surviving originals of regional theatre squad performances (IPTA), while others portray Indian plays featuring foreign actors, adding unique historical depth to its archive.

Natarang Pratishthan maintains a substantial collection of press clippings and publicity material, providing a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts. With well over 150,000 carefully catalogued clippings, it offers insights into various aspects of productions, including preparation, media coverage, cast and director details, interviews, and performance reviews. This treasure trove includes intriguing advertisements from the Parsi theatre's mid-twentieth-century heyday, as well as comprehensive coverage of theatre, music, dance, literature, and cultural events related to theatre professionals, groups, and institutions. As the collection continues to grow, it remains an invaluable repository for the study of theatre history and culture.

Natarang Pratishthan's library is a treasure trove of play scripts and production scripts, offering a diverse range of 775 scripts. Among them are unpublished manuscripts, handwritten drafts, and a collection of original works by Hindi playwrights, along with translations of Hindi and foreign plays. What makes these scripts particularly valuable is the presence of marginal notes and interlineations by scriptwriters, translators, or directors, providing invaluable insights for scholars. Furthermore, some scripts are enriched with accompanying drawings and sketches, depicting characters, costumes, and stage settings, enhancing their historical significance.

The Pratishthan dedicates itself to acquiring and preserving valuable theatre collections, scripts, photographs, and archival materials from across India. Simultaneously, it engages in interdisciplinary discussions, documenting the creative processes of Indian and Asian directors and actors. This ongoing effort includes video recordings, interviews, and work processes, with regular additions to its archives. The organisation also collaborates with theatre professionals and is involved in a major project to compile and document material on significant theatre personalities. Furthermore, it plans to publish in-depth studies for wider dissemination, enriching its collection through the support of institutions, groups, and individuals who share its mission of enriching theatre history and culture.