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Theatre's survival hinges on resonating with audiences: Vinay Kumar
Theatre's survival hinges on resonating with audiences: Vinay Kumar
新闻详情:最后更新时间: 2024-09-19 18:30:00
A scene from the play The goal of theatre is to hold a mirror up to society, believes Vinay Kumar . “From village plays to grand productions, theatre aims to bring the aesthetics of the world to the audience. In this sense it's crucial for theatre and other forms of art to be relevant and thought-provoking, addressing issues like gender, politics, and social concepts,” explains the theatre artiste, who is currently in Bengaluru on an India tour with his play Urmila , written and directed by Nimmy Raphel. “Take our play Urmila . It explores the power dynamics inherent in the relationship between the Ramayana’s Urmila and Lakshmana, raising questions about consent, agency, and approval – themes that hold relevance today. With theatre, we take these ancient stories, like the Ramayana, and reimagine them not for their novelty, but for the philosophical elements they propose,” says Vinay, who is also a managing trustee and artistic director of Adishakti , a theatre laboratory near Auroville. “These themes are highly relevant to contemporary society. It appeals to a group of people, and has a ripple effect in their own lives,” he explains. Excerpts from a chat: Every art form requires cultivation. It’s like acquiring a taste for blue cheese: initially, you might not enjoy it, but with time and exposure, you develop an appreciation for it. Theatre is no different. It demands a cultivated taste Vinay Kumar ‘TODAY, OUR BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS A LACK OF DEDICATED THEATRE SPACES’ Vinay tells us, "Our primary challenge is not a lack of people interested in creative work, but a scarcity of dedicated spaces. In many cities across India, we lack venues specifically designed for showcasing theatre. While there are plenty of places to publish books or show films, theatre often struggles to find suitable spaces." “We don't need world-class theatres, but we do need performance venues that are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and designed for the specific needs of theatre productions. If there are no spaces, this art form can’t flourish. While Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have made progress in this regard, the challenge lies in creating a pan-India network of such spaces," he explains. ‘CREATING A SPACE FOR RADICAL IDEAS IS ESSENTIAL’ "A theatre space serves as a meeting point where people can come together, discuss ideas, and explore their creative passions. It's a place where bands can form, writers can emerge, and filmmakers can find inspiration. In fact, iconic theatres have historically played a role in fostering intellectual growth and radical ideas. These spaces provide a safe haven where individuals can challenge the status quo. Without such spaces, people may feel pressured to conform to existing trends and norms. It's a challenge that often falls on the shoulders of theatre makers. Governments need to implement cultural policies and allocate resources to establish dedicated theatre spaces," he says. ‘WE MUST ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO APPRECIATE THEATRE’ “The survival of theatre in today's world depends on our ability to reach a wider audience, including those who may not have a background in the arts. We must create opportunities for people to cultivate their appreciation for theatre. This involves introducing them to various forms of art, from literature to cinema, and fostering an ecosystem where all these forms can coexist and thrive,” he explains. ‘Urmila, THE PLAY OFFERS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON TRADITIONAL NARRATIVES’ Urmila explores a casual remark made by Lakshmana: ‘Go and sleep for 14 years.’ “The line serves as a starting point. We ask: How can one person infringe upon another's life, body, freedom, or self-definition? We examine the power dynamics between characters, questioning the logic behind Lakshmana's demand and the consequences for Urmila. She questions the demand to sleep, asserting her agency and refusing to be passive,” he shares. (Adishakti Theatre brings Urmila to Ranga Shankara in Bengaluru on September 20 and September 21.)