Arundhati Nag reflects on the evolution of the theatre scene since the inception of Ranga Shankara two decades ago, discussing her aspirations, the journey towards realizing them, and the vision for the theater's future. She emphasizes how Ranga Shankara has played a pivotal role in reshaping the perception of theatre, shifting it from being seen as exclusive to intellectuals to becoming more accessible and inclusive. Nag notes that while some may still hold onto old views, experiencing a play at Ranga Shankara often transforms skeptics' perspectives. Over the years, she has witnessed a significant shift in audience behavior, with more people now attending shows on weekdays. While she considers the theatre community as a whole, she feels a personal attachment to the venue. Despite occasional frustrations about actors' commitment and creativity, she acknowledges the positive contributions of emerging theatre groups. Nag describes the ambitious beginnings of Ranga Shankara and how they have worked tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality. She acknowledges the challenges faced over the past two decades and the continuous efforts to elevate the quality of productions. Highlighting the growing divide between traditional and modern theatre, Nag emphasizes the need for bridging this gap to nurture a thriving theatrical ecosystem.States like Gujarat, Bengal, and Karnataka, among others, united as a collective anti-colonial voice. India, like many nations, is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to a widening gap between traditional and urban theater. This global trend must be observed closely. India boasts a rich diversity of languages and artistic forms, and it is essential to preserve them for future generations. In a photograph from 2004 depicting the opening night of Ranga Shankara, there is a strong sentiment that young people should be encouraged to view theatre as a trendy pastime. Over the past 20 years, the number of theater groups in India has doubled. While this growth has attracted more youth and amateurs to the theater scene, there is a wish to promote theater-watching as an engaging and worthwhile activity. It is admirable that individuals support the arts, such as theater, without imposing conditions. The willingness to offer financial backing is commendable and instills hope that the arts will continue to thrive. Arundhati Nag believes that trying new things is beneficial, particularly in theater, which she sees as the future. She contrasts theater with cinema and television, emphasizing the depth of cultural learning available through theatrical experiences. In a fast-changing world, she advocates for generosity and a commitment to excellence in the arts.I envision Ranga Shankara maintaining a spirit of benevolence and commitment to excellence long after our time, embodying a generous heart and upholding high standards. While mere generosity may be perceived as foolishness and focusing solely on excellence may lead to snobbery, striking a balance between the two is truly invaluable. Arundhati Nag and the late Girish Karnad were spotted engaging in conversations with prominent literary figures at the event.
Arundhati Nag tells us about the theatre scene when she started Ranga Shankara 20 years ago, her dreams, the reality of it, and her hopes for the future Ranga Shankara has been considered an iconic la...