Arundhati Nag discusses the evolution of the theatre landscape over the past 20 years since she founded Ranga Shankara. The iconic venue has played a pivotal role in reshaping people's perceptions of theatre, making it more accessible and inclusive. Initially viewed as a form of art mainly for intellectuals, Arundhati emphasizes that Ranga Shankara has succeeded in breaking down those barriers. Despite initial skepticism, she notes that once people experience the magic of a performance, their perspectives often shift. The theatre scene has transformed significantly over the years, with audiences now attending shows even on weekdays.
Reflecting on her journey with Ranga Shankara, Arundhati shares her aspirations, the challenges faced, and her continuous hopes for the future. While she considers the theatre community as a whole, she also views Ranga Shankara as her personal project at times. She acknowledges the efforts of emerging theatre groups pushing boundaries and creativity, alongside addressing the need for more dedication and innovation among actors.
Arundhati expresses pride in the accomplishments of Ranga Shankara, citing a mix of long-term goals achieved over time and ongoing dreams yet to be fulfilled. The venue has experienced its share of highs and lows throughout its two-decade history, with a constant drive to strive for improvement and innovation.
Arundhati also highlights the widening gap between traditional and contemporary urban theatre, observing a shift in how theatre is perceived across different regions in India. The evolving landscape of theatre reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the country, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the artistic community.Gujarat, Bengal, Karnataka, and other regions joined together as a unified anti-colonial voice. With the increasing urbanization in India, the gap between traditional folk theater and urban theater is widening, mirroring a global trend. India boasts a diverse range of languages and art forms, representing a richness that we must preserve for future generations. In 2004, a photograph captured the opening night of Ranga Shankara, reflecting the growth of theater over the past two decades. The number of theater groups has doubled, attracting more young enthusiasts and amateurs to India's vibrant theater community. However, there is a desire to promote the appreciation of theater as a cool and enriching experience. The initiative of individuals who generously support the arts without imposing restrictions deserves recognition. It is the responsibility of society to ensure the survival of artists and encourage the pursuit of creative dreams. Arundhati Nag emphasizes the importance of exploring new and diverse art forms, highlighting theater as a valuable medium for learning and cultural enrichment. She envisions a future where generosity and a commitment to excellence are upheld, despite the fast-paced changes in the world.I hope that Ranga Shankara will continue to embody generosity, a large heart, and a commitment to excellence even after our time has passed. A balance of both generosity and excellence is ideal – being solely generous can be seen as foolish, while being solely focused on excellence can come across as snobbish. It is the combination of these qualities that truly stands out. Arundhati Nag and the late Girish Karnad were spotted chatting with literary figures at the event.