Oral history transcript 13

Sharma :  The Themes were social ?

Chavan : Themes were social, how exploitation took place, how in the name of god, people were fooled, particularly by the Brahmin- the so-called middleman between god and the people. Then, how kulkarni class exploited the poor peasants; how in the name of low pleaders exploited the people and how the poor people were opposed to these privileges.

Sharma : Awakening?

Chavan : This was only a sort of awakening in the sense of self-respect. Eduction of women and children was also the message of the Satya Shodhak movement.

Sharma : As a matter of fact, it combined both entertainment and education ?

Chavan : It was both. But it was more an eduction than entertainment. Tamasha was also an antertainment, because it was done through song and dance.

Sharma : Did it produce some outstanding actors and dancers?

Chavan : There were in thouse days actors, but I won't say outstanding actors. They were known people. For example, Ram Bhaughate of Kale. His name was a common name. When his tamasha came, people used to flock in thousands.