Arundhati Nag reflects on the evolution of the theatre landscape since the establishment of Ranga Shankara two decades ago. She highlights the shift in perception towards theatre, initially seen as exclusive to intellectuals but now embraced by a wider audience. Nag acknowledges that while some may still hold reservations, experiencing a play at Ranga Shankara often changes hearts and minds. The theater has played a pivotal role in transforming how people engage with and consume theatre over the years. Nag shares her thoughts on the initial challenges, her aspirations, and the enduring commitment to realizing their vision. Despite facing challenges and criticism, she emphasizes the continuous striving towards growth and innovation within the theatrical community. Nag discusses the changing dynamics between traditional and contemporary theatre, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between folk and urban theatrical traditions.States like Gujarat, Bengal, and Karnataka, among others, united in a collective anti-colonial voice. With India urbanizing rapidly, the gap between folk and urban theatre is widening, a global trend worth monitoring. India boasts unparalleled linguistic and art diversity, a heritage we must preserve for future generations.
In 2004, during the inaugural performance at Ranga Shankara, a sentiment arose wishing to make theatre more appealing to youth. The theater scene has blossomed in the last two decades, with the number of theater groups doubling. Encouraging people to attend plays and appreciate theatre remains a goal, acknowledging those who support art selflessly.
Arundhati Nag emphasizes the importance of trying new things, highlighting theatre as a key platform for creativity and cultural exploration. She believes cinema is costly, and television lacks the depth of theater. Watching renowned actors perform live is enriching and affordable, offering profound insights into one's heritage and society.
In today's fast-changing world, Arundhati Nag hopes for continued generosity and a commitment to excellence. Reflecting on her experiences, she stresses the importance of embracing new opportunities and standing for artistic quality.I hope that even after we are no longer around, Ranga Shankara will embody a spirit of generosity and excellence. It's important to have a balance of both qualities; being too generous can make you naive, and focusing only on excellence can make you come off as snobbish. Arundhati Nag and the late Girish Karnad were spotted mingling with literary figures at the event.
