Sravasti Datta delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, exploring the subject in her latest Hindi play “Silvatein,” which is set to be performed at Ranga Shankara today. Translated by Puneet Gupta, the play reflects Sravasti’s decade-long experience in theatre encompassing various roles like actor, director, and production manager. In her conversation with us, she shares insights on her creative process, her passion for theater, and her take on modern relationships. Sravasti emphasizes how theater acts as a platform for intellectual and emotional exploration, enabling her to bring abstract ideas to life and delve into interpersonal dynamics. Through the cathartic process of playwriting and staging, she has found healing, empowerment, and closure, sparking meaningful conversations that transcend mere statistics. Reflecting on contemporary relationships, Sravasti points out that the fast-paced nature of modern life often hinders emotional connections, leading to stress, impatience, and emotional distance. She highlights the impact of technology and instant gratification on relationships, emphasizing the importance of investing time and effort into nurturing genuine connections.The energy spent on problem-solving is being redirected towards avoiding or giving up on problems altogether as a simpler solution. The fast pace of modern life leaves little space for deep emotional connections, with relationships often becoming a low priority. Shatarupa's latest play draws from her personal experiences with relationships, stemming from the turmoil and unfinished conversations from failed relationships. Through self-reflection and open communication, she realized the significance of understanding her own emotions, triggers, and needs for personal well-being and healthy relationships. Unhealthy relationships are typically grounded in power and control, and Shatarupa's awareness of how her past shaped her reactions has allowed her to approach relationships with patience and empathy, embracing vulnerability and learning from mistakes.
