Theater enables me to transcend reality: 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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In her latest Hindi play called Silvatein, theatre personality Shatarupa Bhattacharyya attempts to explore the intricacies of romantic relationships, a concept known for its complexity among humankind. The play, translated by Puneet Gupta, will be showcased at Ranga Shankara today. With a decade of experience in theatre encompassing around 20 productions, Shatarupa has worked as an actor, director, and production manager. While continuing her collaboration with various theatre groups in Bengaluru, she shares insights on her creative process when scripting plays, the learning curve within theatre, and the modern dynamics of relationships. She expresses, "Theatre enables me to delve into issues from both an intellectual and emotional perspective." Reflecting on the impact of theatre in her personal exploration of relationships, she states, "It provided a unique space where abstract concepts could manifest in a tangible manner. The process of dramatization allowed me to engage with these issues intellectually and emotionally." Through her role as a playwright, Shatarupa found solace in developing characters and their conflicts based on her thoughts, emotions, and shared experiences. The journey of writing, staging, and witnessing Silvatein unfold proved to be therapeutic and empowering, offering closure and initiating meaningful conversations that she hopes will resonate with others. Shatarupa emphasizes how theatre enables her to foster dialogue that transcends mere facts and statistics. Discussing the impact of fast-paced lifestyles on relationships, she observes, "Our modern way of life often neglects the importance of emotional connections." Stress and technological distractions have surfaced as prominent factors affecting relationships, resulting in heightened irritability, impatience, and emotional detachment among individuals. In the age of instant gratification, there is a prevailing belief that relationships should effortlessly provide constant fulfillment. Shatarupa underscores the necessity of investing time and effort in nurturing meaningful connections.The energy required to solve problems has diminished. Walking away or disregarding issues has become a simpler solution. The fast pace of modern life has left little room for deep emotional connections. We are constantly rushing, leaving little time to nurture relationships, making them a low priority. According to Shatarupa, unhealthy relationships are typically founded on power and control. Her latest play was inspired by her own relationship struggles. She explains that the play was born from her personal experiences with failed relationships and the internal conflict she faced. Shatarupa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and honest communication in maintaining healthy relationships. Understanding her emotions, triggers, and needs has been vital for her well-being and for forming positive connections. By recognizing how her past experiences influenced her reactions, Shatarupa has learned to approach relationships with more understanding and empathy. She has become more open to growth, embracing vulnerability as a part of the learning process.