"Theatre Empowers Me to Explore Beyond the Known: Shatarupa Bhattacharyya"
Sravasti DattaRomantic relationships are one of the most complex concepts to explain for humankind. Theatre personality Shatarupa Bhattacharyya, has tried to pull this off in her latest Hindi play, Si...
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Sravasti Datta delves into the intricacies of romantic relationships, a topic often considered complex for humans to grasp. Theatre artist Shatarupa Bhattacharyya explores this theme in her latest Hindi play, Silvatein, set to be performed at Ranga Shankara today. Translated by Puneet Gupta, Shatarupa, with a decade of theatre experience in over 20 productions, has worn multiple hats as an actor, director, and production manager. While she collaborates with various theatre groups in Bengaluru, she shares insights on her creative process, the significance of theatre in her life, and the dynamics of modern relationships. Theatre has provided her a unique platform to delve into abstract concepts and bring them to life in a more profound manner. By dramatizing issues, she has been able to analyze them intellectually and emotionally. Through writing and presenting Silvatein, she has found healing and empowerment, fostering closure and initiating dialogues that transcend mere facts and figures. Reflecting on the challenges of maintaining relationships in today's fast-paced world, Shatarupa observes a lack of emotional connections due to stress and distractions brought about by technology. The culture of instant gratification has led people to expect relationships to be effortless and perpetually fulfilling, resulting in decreased emotional availability and patience in relationships.The increasing complexity of problems has diminished the willingness to invest energy in solving them. Walking away or dismissing them is now seen as a simpler resolve. Our fast-paced lives have resulted in a lack of space for forming deeper emotional bonds. Constantly chasing after tasks has made nurturing relationships a low priority. Shatarupa's recent play draws inspiration from her personal encounters with relationships. "The genesis of the play stemmed from my own struggles in failed relationships and the internal conflicts and unresolved dialogues that I would grapple with," says Shatarupa. She highlights the significance of self-awareness and transparent communication. "I recognized that comprehending my emotions, triggers, and needs is vital not just for my own well-being but also for establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship. Unhealthy relationships are founded on power and control." Being aware of how past experiences and assumptions influenced her reactions enabled Shatarupa to approach relationships with greater patience and empathy. "I embraced a mindset of continual growth, learning from errors, and accepting vulnerability," she shares.