Every Saturday, a group of theater artists transform public parks and living rooms into rehearsal spaces, where lines are perfected and performances take shape. At the center of the group is 24-year-old Simon Roy DS, who has a full-time job as an investment banker and a passion for acting, mime, screenwriting and directing. He leads the two-year-old theater group Nadigan Da.
With over 20 core members, Nadigan Da consists of working professionals and college students. The team stages plays, conducts workshops for theater and mime enthusiasts, including training students at Stella Maris College. A memorable collaboration with the college was during International Women’s Day 2024, where students of the Department of Social Work performed a street play for a self-help group.
“I was attracted to mime since my middle-school days at St. Vincent Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Aminjikaraay, where we were highly encouraged. Later, at Loyola College, I served as the Cultural Secretary of the Commerce Association from 2019 to 2020. During that time, I performed in over 100 theater productions and helped achieve 12 overall championships. After graduation, I wanted to create my own team to support small artists like myself along with my work as a judge for college events. This is how Nadigan Da came to life,” explains Simon.
Simon loves being invited to judge events because he gets to discover new talent; Some of them eventually join his group.
Much of the inspiration for the plays staged by Nadigan Da is drawn from real-life events and social issues, often using them as a basis for the screenplay.
“One of my works, Kalai, was inspired by the multi-talented, disabled musician Jyothikalai. This was a challenging project as it required extensive research to authentically portray the real-life story. “I always strive for this level of authenticity in my work, as many of my stories are based on true events,” says Simon.
Some of his famous works include ‘Confused Kadhal’ and ‘Payanigaalin Kanivana Gavanathirku’, a recently produced film. “Payanigalin Kanivana Gavanthiraku was based on a personal experience when a friend left his keys in his vehicle. We got scared and started searching for them, but we found the keys there in the bike. I wanted to write a story that reflected that moment of chaos and realization,” he says.
Nadigan da performs charity shows in day-care centers and old age homes. “We are not driven by profit,” says Simon. “Most of us have full-time jobs and theater is a passion for us. Not every member is available every weekend, so we rehearse with those available, often using a dummy to fill in for the missing actors. Our practice sessions begin months before a show. In the days before an event, we also use early morning practice slots. We don’t have an office or studio, so practice in parks like Anna Nagar Tower Park or Bougainvillea Park or even on our terraces.
Simon credits fellow theater artist Maya Krishnan for guidance in shaping his work. “I have always been thrilled with Maya’s performances, especially Kindhan Charitram,” he says.
A particularly memorable moment for Simon came during a recent show, when a Bangalore artiste, who had missed all the practice sessions, managed to attend the performance despite arriving late and being ill. “It is a team effort where each member’s contribution is important. From the story draft to the final show, it’s all about a collective effort to capture the audience’s attention,” recalls Simon.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring performing artists, Simon says, “Make sure you have financial stability through a paying job and acting at the same time. The team you are a part of also plays a major role in your success.
On December 22, Nadigan Da, in collaboration with Bhoomi Foundation, will stage a play to raise funds for teachers from low-income schools and support their mental well-being. The play is being staged at the foundation’s office in Alwarpet. For details, call 73582 18673
published – December 21, 2024 05:04 PM IST
