Marathi plays cash in on the migrant issue

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) seem to have found support in Marathi theatre. Over the past few years, several plays have been made to highlight the issue of migrants and bring back the ‘Marathi pride’.

However, people from the theatre industry say that plays on political situation in the state help producers attract crowds and rake in the moolah.

This time, a Marathi play, He Thamble Pahije (It must stop), has raised the issue of migrants and taxi permits. The advertisements claim the play is an attempt to drive home the agenda of MNS president Raj Thackeray.

The play’s message is clear — taxi permits in Mumbai should be given to Maharashtrians only. It also addresses the issue of employment.

The play has been produced by Rajesh Shirke under the banner of Sanjeevani Theatres. It will be performed at the Savitribai Natya Mandir in Dombivli on March 21.