The Baloch Academy Of Humanities is the first virtual academy in Balochistan of Iran, which deals with issues related to humanities.

This time our respected guest is professor Manoj Bhise, who is one of the well-known actors in the state of Maharashtra, India. He has been a Senior Grade Drama Artist of ‘All India Radio.’

Dr. Manoj Bhise has also acted in television serials, Education Media Research Center (Educational T.V). In India, he has been conducting workshops on acting, direction, personality developments, voice culture, interview techniques, presentation skills, and communication skills.

The play which gave him real name and fame is ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’, which is a mile stone in Maharati literature and drama.

Recently, he has experimented with teachers with the underline statement that ‘A good Teacher is a good Actor.’

Baloch Academist: In order to start, we would like to have a brief background of your academic life.

Dr. Manoj Bhise:  I have authored several books and articles on literature in general and on drama in particular, and have acted in not less than 30 plays that include experimental theater and professional theater. I have translated more than 300 plays.

I have also acted and directed quite a few English plays mainly with my students of M.A. English literature... and my specialty is drama.

Baloch Academist: Professor Bhise, tell us in brief what is your understanding of literature?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Literature is the mirror of society. It is in fact a reflection of whatever is happening or whatever has happened.

Baloch Academist: How would you define drama?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Well, drama is a performing art. Also it is a composite art and teamwork. Many individuals are responsible to make it happen, for instance, the playwright, director, actor, musician, set designer, light designer, operator, and sound operator, and above all the audience. So, with the help of all these, drama comes to life.

Baloch Academist: Where and when drama was originated?   

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Drama, as a form of literature came into existence some where in 14/15 century, and basically it was the drama of morality, and it used to take place in church yard. The main theme was to show the difference between good and bad deeds, virtues and vices.

Drama began in England, however the originality can be traced in all countries somewhere around the same time.

Baloch Academist: What are the types of drama?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Mainly, tragedy and comedy. Under tragedy as a category, we have melodrama which means a pathetic situation is created to make audience cry. We have pure tragedy, tragic comedy, comic tragedy, problem plays, etc.

Baloch Academist: In this regard, can you explain the difference between tragic comedy and comic tragedy?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: See, tragic comedy means a play begins on the note of tragedy and ends on a comic note, and comic tragedy means a play begins on the note of comedy and ends on a tragic note.

With respect to comedy, as another major part of drama, we have pure comedies, farce, blue comedy, black comedy, and burlesque.

Baloch Academist: What are the main elements in drama?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Well, we have plot, structure, story, unity of time, unity of place, unity of manner, characters, climaxes, etc.

Baloch Academist: Finally, what is the relationship between opera and drama?

Dr. Manoj Bhise: Opera is a kind of ancient folk form of drama. As some people believe, folk drama or opera was the original drama. The very purpose of opera or folk drama was to celebrate the seasons. This is also called as a festive drama. The villagers are celebrating the change in the seasons and celebrating the festive with music, song, etc., with a loud tone. In fact, the reformed version of the folk drama is opera. In this drama every thing i.e. music, acting, is projected. 

Baloch Academist: Dear Dr. Bhise, thanks indeed for giving us this opportunity to interview you.

Dr. Manoj Bhise: I am also thankful to this virtual academy and the people who manage this.

The questions of this interview have been selected by Mrs. Farahnaz Youssofi, (M.A.) English literature. This interview has been translated into Persian by Farahnaz Youssofi 15-10-2007, Pune, India.

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