India is among the world's most populous nations inhabiting a vast and contrasting land, with nearly 850 million people bordered on the northeast by the Himalayan mountain range, on the west by the Great Thar Desert and with the southern half of the country a peninsula the Arabian Sea on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. Indian civilization has been shaped over time by a multitude of social, political and religious forces because of its strategic location. This in turn, has had a direct bearing on the shape of its theatre. Understanding Indian theatre, it becomes necessary to investigate each stage of its growth separately, beginning from Sanskrit theatre continuing through the forms rural theatre and presently with modern theatre. In Andhra Pradesh, South India, 'VeedhiNatakam' was the most popular form of traditional theatre. Artists moved freely among the local populace, wherein they found patronage. Stories performed in 'Veedhinatakam' were from the epics and the pureness. Troupes of players performed throughout the state in the open air, usually in village squares or before temples, from November to May. The challenge of Radio, film and television for audiences was overwhelming. Foreign, mainly western, films were extremely popular. Major efforts to protect the Indian Theatre, include provision of local theatre subsidies, constructing national theatre complexes, and establishing training institutions for the next generation performers, should be part of the government development plans. The government, Social and artistic organizations should create awareness, by educating people for preserving and invigorating traditional indigenous theatre, reflecting their cultural legacy.
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