Vinay Kumar, a theatre artist currently on an India tour with his play Urmila, emphasizes the importance of theatre in reflecting and addressing societal concerns. He believes that theatre, along with other art forms, plays a crucial role in presenting the world's aesthetics to the audience and sparking thought on issues such as gender, politics, and social concepts. Vinay's play Urmila explores power dynamics in the relationship between Urmila and Lakshmana from the Ramayana, touching upon themes of consent, agency, and approval that remain relevant today. He reiterates that by reimagining ancient stories like the Ramayana, theatre can offer philosophical insights rather than mere novelty. Vinay, who is also a managing trustee and artistic director of Adishakti, a theatre laboratory near Auroville, underlines the relevance of these themes to contemporary society, noting their impact on individuals. In a conversation, Vinay compares acquiring a taste for theatre to developing an appreciation for blue cheese - it requires time and exposure. He expresses concern over the lack of dedicated theatre spaces in India, emphasizing the need for aesthetically pleasing and comfortable venues tailored for theatrical performances.The specific requirements of theatre productions are crucial for the flourishing of this art form. While cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have shown progress in this aspect, the real challenge lies in establishing a nationwide network of such spaces, according to him.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a space that allows for radical ideas to thrive. A theatre venue acts as a gathering place where individuals can come together to exchange ideas, explore their creativity, and collaborate. These spaces have historically played a significant role in encouraging intellectual growth and pushing boundaries. Without dedicated theatre spaces, individuals may feel compelled to conform to existing norms, making it a responsibility for theatre practitioners to address. Governments should implement cultural policies and allocate resources to establish such spaces.
Encouraging a broader audience to appreciate theatre is essential for its survival in today's world, including those not familiar with the arts. Providing opportunities for people to develop an appreciation for theatre involves introducing them to various art forms and creating an environment where different forms can coexist and flourish, he suggests.
"Urmila" presents a fresh perspective on traditional narratives by exploring a seemingly innocent comment by Lakshmana: 'Go and sleep for 14 years.' This line serves as a catalyst for deeper exploration into themes of autonomy, power dynamics, and agency. The play challenges the demand placed on Urmila, highlighting her refusal to be passive and asserting her agency in the face of such expectations, he explains. (Adishakti Theatre presents the play "Urmila")Ranga Shankara in Bengaluru will host events on September 20 and September 21.
