Early Foundations and Artistic Roots

Santosh Choubey’s engagement with theatre began during his college years, where it emerged as one of his key creative pursuits. However, his formative breakthrough came in the early 1980s through a serious theatre workshop organized in Delhi by the National School of Drama’s Hema Sahay and Ashok Mishra. The workshop staged “Garm Kamra”, a Hindi translation by Raghuvir Sahay of a play by Polish dramatist Ferenc Karinthy. Santosh not only acted in the production but also found himself amidst literary luminaries such as Agyeya, Raghuvir Sahay, Namvar Singh, and Krishna Sobti, marking his entry into intellectual and experimental theatre circles.

This phase also included performances in Shakespearean dramas such as “The Merchant of Venice” and other contemporary plays, demonstrating his early range as an actor and performer.

Turning Point: Polemical and People’s Theatre

A key turning point in Choubey’s theatrical journey came in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which reshaped his artistic focus toward science, literacy, and grassroots awareness. It was during this time that he became closely associated with polemical theatre, influenced by figures like Safdar Hashmi. His work began to reflect activist concerns, blending performance with public education and civic engagement.

From 1985 to 1995, he conducted collaborative writing workshops and mounted major productions across India, often in partnership with acclaimed theatre directors. Thematically rich and socially urgent, his plays addressed issues such as:

Women’s education (Ladki Padh Kar Kya Karegi)
Environmental justice (Main Nadi Aansu Bhari)
Scientific rationality (Galileo)
Social introspection (Ek Prashna)

His work during this period helped popularize science theatre and issue-based performances across Madhya Pradesh and beyond, often in the form of travelling troupes and street theatre ensembles.

Playwright, Translator, and Actor

Choubey’s contribution spans the full spectrum of theatrical craft — from writing and translation to direction and performance. Notably:

He translated Brecht’s Galileo into Hindi, ensuring its accessibility to wider Indian audiences
He played a key role in Chekhov’s Ward No. Six under the direction of Devkant Shukla, showcasing his versatility as an actor across genres and traditions.

These roles underscore his deep commitment to literary and political theatre, embracing both the artistic and performative dimensions.

From Page to Stage: Adapting Stories into Theatre

Santosh Choubey’s acclaimed literary career also significantly enriched his theatrical work. His stories, known for their psychological depth and dramatic potential, were considered ideal for stage performance. Some of his celebrated stories adapted for the stage include:

Restran Main Dopahar
Lekhak Banane Wale
Beech Prem main Gandhi
Unke Hisse Ka Prem

These adaptations were featured in prestigious platforms such as Bharat Bhavan and the National School of Drama. Notably, a four-day theatre festival titled Kathadesh at Bharat Bhavan was dedicated solely to dramatizations of his stories — a rare recognition of a writer’s influence on contemporary theatre.

Artistic Philosophy and Impact

Choubey’s approach to theatre resists simplification. He believes in retaining the soul of the story rather than altering it to fit theatrical conventions. As Vibha Mishra notes, his performances often avoid conventional dramatization in favor of authentic representation, allowing stories to speak directly to audiences without compromising their essence.

He is known for:

Experimental storytelling and innovative presentations
Nuanced portrayal of gender dynamics and emotional relationships
Psychological exploration of characters
Inviting reflection rather than offering didactic conclusions

This philosophy aligns him with a tradition of introspective, socially engaged, and audience-conscious theatre — bridging literature, performance, and political awareness.

Santosh Choubey – A Theatre Artist Rooted in People and Poetry

Santosh Choubey’s legacy as a theatre artist is defined by his fusion of literary finesse with performative activism. As a playwright, translator, performer, and facilitator of issue-based theatre, he has helped reshape the landscape of regional and political theatre in Madhya Pradesh and beyond. His work remains a touchstone for artists seeking to blend aesthetics with advocacy, and his contributions continue to inspire new generations of socially conscious performers.

Santosh Choubey – A Theatre Artist Rooted in People and Poetry

Theatre Artist and Creative Dramatist