Theatre artist Arundhati Raja has transitioned from juggling teaching sciences alongside her passion for theatre, to eventually leaving teaching behind to fully commit to her theatrical pursuits. As she prepares for her English adaptation of Girish Karnad’s Kannada masterpiece, "Hittina Hunja — Bali: The Sacrifice," she reflects on the experience of revisiting a play after many years, the obstacles she has encountered, and her aspirations for the future of theatre. Here are some key points from her insights:
- Arundhati found Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be particularly beneficial while directing the revival of "Bali." Despite not being able to consult Girish Karnad as she had previously, AI proved to be a valuable resource in addressing her queries and providing guidance in its own unique way.
- Although the original production of "Bali" had been staged some time ago, recasting two characters for the new adaptation posed challenges. Nevertheless, the overall production process flowed smoothly, partly due to the existing set design that only required minor adjustments. Revisiting the play felt akin to revisiting its initial production.
- Arundhati observed significant transformations in the landscape of English theatre in Bengaluru over the years. Initially inspired by the English plays she encountered upon her return from the UK, she noted a gradual shift towards Indianized themes and narratives in English productions. The introduction of translated plays from local languages into English further widened the reach and appeal of theatrical storytelling.
- Emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatre, Arundhati underscored the importance of extensive training to fully grasp the intricacies of the craft. Beyond mastering dialogue delivery and stage presence, embodying a character authentically is key to a successful portrayal. Theatre thrives on teamwork and collective effort.
Arundhati Raja's insights shed light on the evolving landscape of theatre in Bengaluru and the multifaceted nature of the theatrical process, underscoring the collaborative and transformative essence of this art form.Audiences tend to watch multiple disappointing films in a row, yet they don't offer plays the same opportunity for redemption. The world of theatre is challenging, as individuals may dismiss it after one unsatisfying experience. In contrast, these same individuals readily attend another movie despite having viewed a poorly received one previously. There is a prevailing misconception that theatre is either dull or exclusive to intellectuals, but this belief is misguided.
