NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 18 — In the Company of Theatre
This chapter introduces the concept of "Company Theatre" in India, which describes professional troupes of artists performing theatrical shows for a living. These companies, prevalent in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, involved large numbers of people, including actors, dancers, singers, writers, technicians, and even families. They traveled extensively, performing shows and managing all aspects of their productions. The chapter highlights the "Parsi theatre" groups in Bombay, which were influential in developing proscenium-style productions and inspired theatrical forms across India. It also mentions the "Surabhi Theatre" or "Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali" formed in Andhra Pradesh, which performs stories based on Hindu mythology. The text emphasizes the unique lifestyle of these artists, who lived, ate, slept, and traveled together, dedicating their lives to theatre. This chapter provides a glimpse into a fascinating, though now almost non-existent, aspect of India's theatrical history, offering insights into the evolution of performing arts for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — In the Company of Theatre |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 312 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of Company Theatre.
- Identify key characteristics of Company Theatre troupes.
- Recognize influential Company Theatre groups in India.
- Appreciate the historical significance of Company Theatre in India's performing arts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Company Theatre | Professional companies of artists who perform theatrical shows and earn their living through them. |
| Artistes | Performers, especially actors, singers, or dancers. |
| Rehearsals | Practice sessions for a play or other performance. |
| Costumes | Clothing worn by actors on stage. |
| Make-up | Cosmetics applied to an actor's face to change their appearance. |
| Troupes | A group of performers, especially actors or dancers. |
| Proscenium style | A type of theatre stage that frames the action, with the audience on one side. |
| Mythology | A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition. |
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Practice questions
- What is meant by 'Company Theatre'? Answer: Company Theatre refers to professional companies of artists who perform theatrical shows and earn their living through them.
- Name two influential Company Theatre groups mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Two influential groups mentioned are 'Parsi theatre' companies in Bombay and 'Surabhi Theatre' (Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali) in Andhra Pradesh.
- What kind of people were part of these theatre troupes? Answer: These troupes included actors, dancers, singers, writers, tailors, set designers, painters, light technicians, cooks, managers, accountants, and often entire families.
- Where did Company Theatre troupes perform? Answer: Company Theatre troupes performed all over India, travelling to different regions for their shows.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Company Theatre describes professional companies of artists who:
Explanation: Company Theatre specifically refers to groups of artists who earn their livelihood by performing theatre shows.
Q2. Which century saw a significant presence of Company Theatre in India?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Company Theatre existed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Q3. The 'Parsi theatre' groups were known for inspiring:
Explanation: Parsi theatre groups in Bombay inspired many theatrical productions across India with their proscenium style.
Q4. Surabhi Theatre, also known as Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali, is associated with which region?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali was formed in Andhra Pradesh.
Q5. What was a unique aspect of the lifestyle of Company Theatre artists?
Explanation: The artists lived a communal life, eating, playing, sleeping, and traveling together as part of the troupe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea of the chapter 'In the Company of Theatre'?
The chapter introduces the concept of 'Company Theatre' in India, describing professional troupes of artists who performed theatrical shows for a living during the 18th and 19th centuries.
What were the key features of Company Theatre troupes?
These troupes were large, involved families, traveled extensively, and managed all aspects of their performances, including costumes, make-up, and logistics.
Which influential theatre groups are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions 'Parsi theatre' companies in Bombay, known for their proscenium style, and 'Surabhi Theatre' (Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali) in Andhra Pradesh.
What does 'proscenium style' refer to in theatre?
Proscenium style refers to a type of stage where the action is framed, with the audience viewing it from one side, as developed by Parsi theatre.
Is Company Theatre still prevalent in India today?
The chapter suggests that Company Theatre is almost non-existent now, making it a historical aspect of Indian performing arts.
What kind of stories did Surabhi Theatre perform?
Surabhi Theatre performed stories based on Hindu mythology.
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NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 18 — In the Company of Theatre. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.