Arundhati Nag says says that artistes should reflect within themselves and think about the work they do now

The latest phase of unlocking allows theatre spaces and auditoriums to function with 50 per cent occupation. Yet, the fraternity is taking it slower this time and not rushing it. We caught up with Arundhati Nag recently, who says that people should reflect within themselves and think about the work they do now.
Arundhati opines, "'What is the meaningful theatre that we will do when we come back on stage?' is what I am asking myself.If nothing changes and I continue to do what I did two years ago, before three million people died in my country, what kind of an artiste am I?"
The first time Bengaluru saw an unlock phase, every activity began with renewed gusto. But this time around, caution seems to be the mantra. Arundhati says, "Last time, we just jumped into full fledged activity as soon as the government gave us the go ahead. This time, we will start in a more staggered and cautious manner. We plan on hosting some informal events in our open air space. We will have artistes coming in to read poetry, sing songs and indulge in dialogues. I want to get people to pick up the newspaper and read an article that people do not read and then discuss it. When the first wave subsided, I tried to push most conversations towards addressing the farmer's agitation. Now, I want to make this a regular feature and get people to discuss and not politicise anything."
As for resuming staging of plays, Arundhati states, "We have called the theatre groups and asked them if they want to perform. We do not want to push anyone. We are really worried about the health of our artistes and audience. This time around, one knows how nasty it can be. The government has announced the go ahead, but with half a house, how much money one can make is anybody's guess. Also, will half a house of people come? I would suppose people are a little more careful this time around."