During one of his trips, veteran actor Prakash Raj realized his calling back to the theatre world. Wrestling with the question of how he could best contribute — as an actor, director, or in a new role — he ultimately chose to pioneer an incubator model. Dubbed Nirdigantha, meaning endless horizons, this theatre incubator aims to cultivate creativity and innovation in the performing arts by offering a dedicated space for emerging talents to refine their craft and exhibit their work.
Sharing insights during a recent conversation, Prakash Raj emphasized his commitment to nurturing talent and empowering artists through this initiative. The incubator provides directors and actors with resources such as funding, lodging, and other essentials for a 45-day period to develop original productions. These creations are subsequently taken on tour for three months, enabling artists to gain practical skills and wider exposure.
Expressing his vision to expand theatre beyond Bengaluru and tap into the diverse talent across regions like North and South Karnataka, Prakash Raj highlighted the importance of bridging different art forms for a more cohesive cultural landscape. Reflecting on an era where various art disciplines converged in harmony, he aims to recreate that synergy through initiatives like his theatre incubator.Aspiring theatre artists are encouraged to join a space focused on artistic exploration rather than activism or stagnation. The incubator has introduced a research-centered initiative called Shalaranga, aimed at exploring the role of theatre in education. This project is not about training children in theatre, but delving into it as a research endeavor. By emphasizing social justice, sensitivity, and scientific inquiry, the initiative seeks to enhance the educational system's inclusivity and innovation. A curriculum has been developed to align with the goals of this educational approach. A trained 12-member team travels to various locations to perform numerous shows annually, with the impact of the process being continuously documented.
Prakash Raj highlights the shift in audience preferences during the pandemic towards pan-Indian content. He notes that audiences now encompass people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across industries to unite various cultures. Prakash Raj, currently involved in multiple language films, finds the diversity of languages fascinating, appreciating the nuances and beauty in each. He believes that true audience connection can only be achieved by deeply understanding their language, which motivates him to immerse himself in each language when preparing for a new role.
