The Act of Becoming: Actor Talk

In this unique publication on theatre performance, twenty-two critically acclaimed actors talk to us about their journeys–their lives and aspirations, their in-depth training, and lasting stage careers. The range of these stalwarts spanning the 1850s-1990s includes Binodini Dasi, Bal Gandharva, Fida Husain, Zohra Segal, Sombhu Mitra, Shreeram Lagoo, Utpal Dutt, Manohar Singh, Uttara Baokar, Naseerudin Shah, Heisnam Sabitri and Maya Krishna Rao, among many others. Researched over a decade, The Act of Becoming is set against India’s struggle for Independence. Side-by-side, this book also explores the complexities of women actors trying to gain acceptance in public life as professionals.

Amal Allana

Amal Allana was raised in a family of theatre stalwarts. She majored in Direction from the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi in 1968. Allana’s plays are meditative reflections on our times, a vision that transcends narrow definitions of culture and nationality, thereby exploring the intercultural nature of human experience. She has directed over 60 productions. Allana is the recipient of several national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Academy Award for Direction in 1998.