Theatre Enables Me to Explore Beyond 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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Sravasti DattaRomantic relationships are among the most intricate concepts for humanity to grasp. Theatre personality Shatarupa Bhattacharyya attempts to explore this complexity in her latest Hindi play, Silvatein, which is set to be performed at Ranga Shankara today. The play has been translated by Puneet Gupta. With a decade of experience in theatre and around 20 productions under her belt, Shatarupa has served as an actor, director, and production manager. While she continues collaborating with other theatre groups in Bengaluru, she shares insights on her creative process, the importance of learning in theatre, and her reflections on modern relationships: "Theatre allows me to delve into issues intellectually and emotionally." Discussing how theatre has aided her in understanding relationships, she explains, "It provided a unique space where abstract ideas could be brought to life in a profound manner. The process of dramatizing these issues cathartically enabled me to tackle them both intellectually and emotionally." Writing plays helped her shape characters and their conflicts based on her thoughts, feelings, and shared experiences. "This journey of creating, staging, and observing Silvatein unfold has been transformative and empowering. It brought closure and sparked discussions that I hope will inspire others. Theatre enabled me to foster dialogue that transcends mere facts and numbers," Shatarupa elaborates. "Our busy lives have left little room for emotional connections." In modern society, relationships often take a backseat due to the fast pace of life. "Stress can infiltrate relationships, causing individuals to become more irritable, less patient, and emotionally distant from their partners. Technology, while facilitating communication, has also introduced distractions. This has fostered a culture of instant gratification, leading people to believe that relationships should be effortless and perpetually fulfilling." Shatarupa emphasizes, "People are reluctant to invest time in nurturing relationships..."The rise of emotional intelligence and its importance in overcoming challenges is now more recognized than ever. Walking away instead of addressing problems has become a common response. The fast pace of modern life has led to a lack of meaningful emotional connections, with priorities focused on keeping up rather than nurturing relationships. Playwright Shatarupa drew inspiration for her latest production from her own struggles in past relationships. Reflecting on her personal experiences of failed relationships, she emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and effective communication. Shatarupa highlights that understanding one's emotions and needs is essential not only for personal well-being but also for building healthy relationships. Unhealthy relationships are often characterized by dynamics of power and control. By acknowledging the influence of past experiences on her reactions, Shatarupa has learned to approach relationships with patience and empathy. Embracing vulnerability and being open to growth, she emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes in fostering healthy connections.