Vinay Kumar, a theater artist currently touring India with his play "Urmila" in Bengaluru, believes that theater's purpose is to reflect society. He emphasizes the importance of making art relevant and thought-provoking by addressing issues such as gender, politics, and social concepts. In his view, reimagining ancient stories like the Ramayana through plays like "Urmila" helps provoke discussions about contemporary themes like consent and agency. Vinay, who is also the managing trustee of Adishakti, a theater laboratory near Auroville, highlights the significance of cultivating an appreciation for theater, similar to acquiring a taste for blue cheese. He identifies the lack of dedicated theater spaces as a major obstacle for the thriving theater scene in India, stressing the need for aesthetically pleasing and comfortable venues designed for performances.The specific requirements of theater productions are crucial for the flourishing of this art form. While cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have made strides in this area, the real challenge lies in establishing a nationwide network of such performance spaces. According to him, creating a space for radical ideas is vital, as theater spaces act as hubs for people to gather, exchange ideas, and nurture their creative interests. These spaces have historically been instrumental in fostering intellectual growth and unconventional ideas, providing a platform for individuals to challenge societal norms. Without such spaces, there is a risk of conformity to mainstream trends, placing a burden on theater practitioners to advocate for the establishment of dedicated spaces with government support. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging a broader audience to appreciate theater by exposing them to diverse art forms and creating a supportive environment for artistic expressions to coexist and prosper. In the play "Urmila," a fresh perspective is offered on traditional narratives by exploring the implications of a seemingly innocuous directive given to Urmila by Lakshmana. This exploration delves into power dynamics, individual agency, and the refusal to passively accept societal expectations. (Adishakti Theatre introduces "Urmila")Ranga Shankara in Bengaluru will host events on September 20 and September 21.