"Theatre Opens up a World Beyond Facts: 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 explores the intricate nature of romantic relationships, which are considered one of the most complex concepts for humanity to comprehend. Theatre artist Shatarupa Bhattacharyya attempts to delve into this theme in her latest Hindi play titled Silvatein, set to be performed at Ranga Shankara today and translated by Puneet Gupta. With a decade of experience in theatre and involvement in over 20 productions, Shatarupa, who has worked as an actor, director, and production manager, shares insights into her creative process, the learning journey in theatre, and her perspectives on contemporary relationships. She expresses, "Theatre provides me with a platform to engage with issues both intellectually and emotionally." Describing how theatre has aided her in exploring relationships, she reveals, "It offered a unique space where abstract concepts could be brought to life in a more visceral manner. The process of dramatizing these themes has allowed me to delve into them intellectually and emotionally." Through her work as a playwright, she has been able to intricately develop characters and their conflicts by drawing from her thoughts, emotions, and the experiences shared with her by others. Reflecting on the impact of staging Silvatein, she shares, "This experience of writing, directing, and witnessing the play unfold has been transformative and empowering. It has provided me with a sense of closure and initiated conversations that I hope will inspire others as well." Shatarupa emphasizes, "The theatre has enabled me to foster dialogues that transcend mere facts and statistics." Discussing the challenges in modern relationships, she notes, "The fast-paced nature of contemporary life often hinders the nurturing of emotional connections. Stress infiltrates relationships, resulting in heightened irritability, reduced patience, and diminished emotional availability towards partners. While technology facilitates communication, it also introduces distractions. This has cultivated a culture of instant gratification where individuals expect relationships to be effortless and perpetually fulfilling." She adds, "People are reluctant to invest time and effort"The focus on personal energy to solve problems has shifted to simply avoiding or disregarding them. The fast pace of life leaves little time for meaningful emotional connections, making building relationships a low priority. Shatarupa's play draws inspiration from her own experiences with failed relationships, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and honest communication. She acknowledges the importance of understanding personal emotions, triggers, and needs as key to personal well-being and fostering healthy relationships. Recognizing the impact of past experiences on her reactions, Shatarupa now approaches relationships with greater patience and empathy, embracing growth, learning from mistakes, and accepting vulnerability.