Vinay Kumar believes that theatre serves as a reflection of society, aiming to present the world's aesthetics to the audience, from local productions to larger-scale performances. Addressing issues such as gender, politics, and social concepts is essential for art forms to remain relevant and thought-provoking. Vinay, currently touring India with his play Urmila, emphasizes the importance of exploring power dynamics and themes like consent and agency in ancient stories like the Ramayana. By reimagining these narratives, theatre can stimulate philosophical discussions that resonate with contemporary society. As the managing trustee of Adishakti, a theatre laboratory near Auroville, Vinay highlights the need for dedicated performance spaces in India to support the growth of creative work.The specific needs of theatre productions are crucial for the flourishing of this art form. While cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have made progress in this area, the challenge lies in establishing a nationwide network of such spaces, as explained by the speaker. Creating a space for radical ideas is essential in the realm of theatre. These spaces act as meeting points where individuals can gather to discuss ideas, explore their creativity, and collaborate. They serve as platforms for bands to form, writers to emerge, and filmmakers to draw inspiration. Historically, iconic theatres have played a significant role in nurturing intellectual growth and fostering radical thoughts. Such spaces provide a sanctuary where individuals can challenge the conventional norms and trends. It is a responsibility often shouldered by theatre makers to address this challenge. Governments should implement cultural policies and allocate resources to establish dedicated theatre spaces, the speaker emphasizes.

Encouraging people to appreciate theatre is crucial for its survival in today's world. To expand its reach to a wider audience, including those without an arts background, we need to create opportunities for individuals to develop their appreciation for theatre. This involves introducing them to various art forms, from literature to cinema, and creating an ecosystem where these forms can coexist and prosper, the speaker explains.

The play "Urmila" offers a fresh perspective on traditional narratives by exploring a remark made by Lakshmana: 'Go and sleep for 14 years.' This line serves as a starting point for questioning how one person can infringe upon another's life, body, freedom, or self-definition. The power dynamics between the characters are examined, challenging the reasoning behind Lakshmana's demand and exploring the consequences for Urmila. Urmila asserts her agency and refusal to be passive in response to the demand to sleep, shares the speaker.Ranga Shankara in Bengaluru will host events on both September 20 and September 21.