Oce at Avantika powers rare theatre book

The Marathi version of the book published by Popular Prakashan was printed on an offset press at India Printing Works in Mumbai. The Marathi version, Marathi Natakachya Tees Ratri—Ek Samajik Rajkiya Itihas contained 1,800 pages.

The publishers of the English version, Oxford University Press (OUP) sought an abridged version of the book which traces 150 years of the history of Marathi theatre. This includes the first public performance of Sita Swayamvar in 1843 to the 1990s when the contemporary experimental theatre was at its peak.

M N Pandey, director at Avantika Printers mentioned it was a challenging print job; since there were three volumes; all of which required at the same time. Therefore, Avantika had to print back-to-back on its fleet of digital press. He said, “the PDF files were provided by OUP’s department. We knew we were printing using toner technology. Hence, we had to be very careful about maintaining consistency in text density throughout all the three books.”

Considering the paper deployed is 70 gsm Seshasayee book printing natural shade, the consistency had to be good. 

Printed in a size of 5.5inch x 8.5inch, the sturdiness of the three volumes emerges from its post-press, which has been section-sewn round-back hard bound. The highlight is a beautiful silk screen silver for the sleeve case which holds the three volumes together.

Last year, Avantika was in the limelight because of the Bhagvad Gita (According to Gandhi) a special edition book, which was presented to President Obama by the Indian Prime Minister. This book was published by Orient Publishing who had selected Avantika to "print and fabricate limited copies in a specific time period to match international standards of quality".