Theater personality Arundhati Raja is set to restage Girish Karnad’s play Bali in Bengaluru soon. Arundhati Raja, known for her work in both science education and theater, made the transition to focus exclusively on theater. She is currently working on an English adaptation of Girish Karnad’s Kannada classic, Hittina Hunja—Bali: The Sacrifice. She reflects on the experience of revisiting a play, the obstacles she encountered, and her aspirations for the future of theater. Here are some highlights from her interview:
- Utilizing AI in the direction of Bali: Arundhati found artificial intelligence (AI) to be a valuable tool while working on Bali. Despite not being able to consult with Girish Karnad this time around, AI provided assistance in different ways, although it doesn't possess Karnad's knowledge.
- Evolution of English theater in Bengaluru: Having lived in the UK previously, Arundhati was pleasantly surprised by the English plays in Bengaluru. She noticed a shift towards Indianized productions over time, including translated works from local languages, broadening the audience reach. Theater in Bengaluru has evolved significantly, reflecting the dynamic nature of the art form.
- Team dynamics in theater: Arundhati emphasizes the collaborative nature of theater and the importance of training to appreciate the complexities involved. Acting involves more than just delivering lines—it requires natural dialogue delivery and a holistic approach to performance beyond physical presence.
In summary, Arundhati Raja’s experiences shed light on the intricate processes of directing, the transformation of theater in Bengaluru, and the essential teamwork inherent in the art of theater.Imbibe the essence of the character you aim to portray in the team-oriented realm of theater. While audiences may watch multiple disappointing films, they are often reluctant to give plays a second opportunity. Theater is a challenging form of entertainment where individuals might quickly dismiss it if they have a negative experience. Some perceive theater as boring or exclusive to intellectuals, although this is far from accurate.
