During one of his travels, esteemed actor Prakash Raj had an epiphany that led him back to the world of theatre. He deliberated on how best to make an impact: acting, directing, or embarking on something innovative. Eventually, he decided on implementing an incubator model. Nirdigantha, which means endless horizons, was born as a theatre incubator with the aim of nurturing creativity and encouraging innovation in the performing arts.
Expressing the need for a platform that supports the aspirations of the current generation, Prakash Raj elucidates that the incubator provides a nurturing space for young theatre enthusiasts to hone their skills and showcase their creations. Recently marking its first anniversary, the incubator was conceived to enable theatre practitioners to experiment with novel ideas and diverse forms of artistic expression.
In an interaction, Prakash Raj shares his vision of fostering talent, empowering artists, and promoting a myriad of artistic expressions through the incubator's initiatives. The platform offers directors and actors the opportunity to develop original plays with a supportive ecosystem that includes funding, accommodation, and other essentials for a period of up to 45 days. Subsequently, the productions are taken on tour for three months, facilitating practical experience and broader exposure for the artists.
Expressing his ambition to expand the reach of theatre beyond Bengaluru to encompass talents from various regions such as North Karnataka and South Karnataka, Prakash Raj highlights the collaborative discussions and storytelling initiatives initiated by the incubator, aiming to engage a diverse pool of artists and their narratives.
Reflecting on the disconnect among different art forms in the contemporary era, Prakash Raj emphasizes the importance of fostering synergy between literature, theatre, art, and cinema. Motivated by this vision, he embarked on actualizing his incubator concept, envisioning a vibrant space where individuals rehearsed and engaged with one another. He expresses a sense of urgency to address the current deficit in confidence, resources, and creative potential.Aspiring theatre artists who aim to establish a space dedicated to artistic exploration, separate from activism or stagnation, believe in the importance of theatre as an educational tool. To support this belief, they have launched a research-focused project called Shalaranga, which aims to delve into various aspects of theatre without focusing on training children. Drawing inspiration from education models in Western countries and UNESCO's recommended curriculum, the team seeks to incorporate social justice, sensitivity, and scientific thinking into their work. By infusing these elements into their curriculum, they hope to create a more inclusive and innovative educational system. With a dedicated 12-member team undergoing three months of training, they travel to different locations to stage multiple shows annually, documenting the impact of their efforts along the way.
In light of the current shift towards pan-Indian content post-pandemic, actor Prakash Raj notes the audience's embrace of diverse cultures. He observes that while audiences have become more pan-Indian in their preferences, films themselves have not necessarily followed suit. Raj, who is busy working on projects in multiple languages, expresses his fascination with languages and the unique nuances they bring. He believes that in order to truly connect with audiences, one must immerse themselves in the language and culture relevant to each role they undertake.
