Theatre personality Arundhati Raja is set to re-stage Girish Karnad’s play Bali in Bengaluru soon. Arundhati, who initially balanced teaching sciences with her passion for theatre, eventually left teaching to focus solely on the performing arts. As she prepares for her English adaptation of Girish Karnad’s Kannada classic, Hittina Hunja — Bali: The Sacrifice — she shares her thoughts on revisiting a play after several years, the challenges she has encountered, and her aspirations for the future of theatre.
Arundhati reflects on her experience, emphasizing the use of AI as a helpful tool in her directing process for Bali. Despite not being able to seek clarification from Girish Karnad himself this time, she found AI to be beneficial in its own way. Recasting two characters for the production was a challenge, but overall, the process felt like revisiting the original play with some adjustments.
Having witnessed the evolution of English theatre in Bengaluru, Arundhati notes the significant changes that have taken place over the years. Initially exposed to English plays in the UK, she was pleased to find a similar theatrical scene in Bengaluru, which gradually transitioned into incorporating Indian perspectives. The introduction of translated plays from local languages into English has helped narratives reach a broader audience, showcasing the dynamic nature of theatre in the city.
Arundhati also stresses the collaborative nature of theatre, highlighting the importance of training to comprehend the intricacies of the craft. She emphasizes that delivering dialogue naturally is essential in conveying the essence of a performance, noting that theatre is not just about stage presence but also about the teamwork and dedication required to bring a production to life.You can absorb the persona you want to convey through acting, which is a collaborative endeavor. While audiences readily watch multiple disappointing films, they often don't offer the same repeat opportunity to live plays. Theater faces the challenge of changing perceptions, with some viewing it as boring or only for intellectuals. However, this mindset does not reflect the diverse and engaging nature of the theatrical experience.
