Write short note : Marathi musical theatre (Sangeet Natak)

Answer: Marathi theatre has a long tradition, and its musical plays (Sangeet Natak) became very popular entertainment in Maharashtra.

• Vishnudas Bhave staged ‘Sita Swayamvar’ in 1843 at Sangli; it is considered the first Marathi play.
• Annasaheb Kirloskar staged ‘Sangeet Shakuntal’ in 1880, which began the era of musical plays in which the story was told through songs based on classical music.
• Plays like ‘Sangeet Saubhadra’ and ‘Sangeet Manapman’ and actor-singers like Balgandharva made Sangeet Natak famous.
• These plays entertained people and also spread ideas of social reform and national pride.