Theatre is a great leveller: Denzil Smith

(life) Indian film and stage actor Denzil Smith feels theatre is a great leveller, and helps him to grow as an actor and keep his craft in order.

"It has been an educative and wonderful experience working across different mediums, including the web, for a few years now. Each has its own advantages and exhilarations. The theatre is another kettle of fish. It is humbling and rewarding at the same time.

"It is addictive - the smell, the vibe, the rush. It's all very inviting and therapeutic for me - I've tasted its blood and I somehow find a way to return to it. It also serves as a reminder - of sacrifice, of discipline and most of all of how little I know," he told life over an email interview.

He added that good theatre educates, entertains and acts as a mirror to society. "It reminds us of our humanity, strengths, frailties".

Smith, 59, is playing the role of Superintendent of Police Danny D'mello in the Indian stage adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic thriller "The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side". The play premiers in the NCPA, Mumbai on Thursday and shows continue till February 9.

"The challenge in this case, since it is an adaptation, is creating a relatable Indian version of the character, that lives, thinks and breathes in the 70s in India. The idea is to move away from the stereo-type. I have some friends in the police force whom I've been talking to."

Smith will begin shooting for the second season of the web series 'Delhi Crime' soon.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )