Theatre of Eternal Values: Friends, Vienna

CINEMA

A Young Enterprise

In 1961, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi launched the “Youth Society For Films” with the goal of harnessing the energy of the youth for national reconstruction and development. The society aimed to promote purposeful and healthy entertainment, particularly through films, to instill national, social, and moral values in the youth. Shri Mataji wrote a compelling article, an extract of which emphasizes the role of artists in society. She believed that artists should elevate public taste rather than cater to its lowest demands, thereby maintaining their freedom and the dignity of art. She advocated for artists to engage with educational and social institutions and use various mediums like dramas, films, and radio talks to educate people about real art. She saw artists as sensitive beings who react to societal imbalances and issues, using their art to inspire solutions. For instance, an artist moved by the sight of a leper could create work that compels society to address the problem of leprosy. Shri Mataji’s ideas resonated with many young artists in Bombay, leading them to shift their talents from mainstream cinema to more artistic films. She herself contributed to this movement by writing a play titled “Rat pagal ho gai” (The Night has gone crazy). As a member of the Film Censor Board, she played a crucial role in preserving the innocence of Indian films during her time. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

THEATER

Theatre of Eternal Values

Shri Mataji’s fostering of the arts included strong support for the theatre. She encouraged a group of talented theatre performers to collaborate as the Theatre of Eternal Values. Formed in Ghent, Belgium in 1993, the ensemble still tours internationally, performing works by playwrights who inspire self-awareness and spirituality in their audiences.
https://nirmalaculture.com/creators/theatre-of-eternal-values-tev/