Toran Natak Comany is one of the four surviving traveling theater groups of Gujarat, India.

In a state which has lost thousands to commnunal violence in the recent years, these 25 artists coming from varied castes and religions reaffirm the idea of peaceful and positive co-existence.

In the 1970’s traveling troupes were at the height of their popularity. Supporting over a hundred artists and a repertoire of over 50 plays from different genres. Competition between rival troupes were immense and many performers were nothing short of being stars in their own measure.Those days are over.

Television and mainstream cinema since the 1990’s have practically destroyed their livelihood. With the number of people attending the performances dropping every season, the troupe finds it very hard to continue.For the government these artists simply do not exist. They provide no support, monetary or otherwise, infact, putting up a show involves paying bribes across various government institutions.

During elections they impose a law stating that no more than five people can congregate at a place.
Leaving the troupe out of work for months.They reflect the lack of respect or even acknowledgement for performing artists outside of the mainstream in today’s Indian society.

But at least for now, they are continuing, even if it’s for just 5000 rupees a night between 25 people.
They know it better than most- The show must go on!