Bengaluru is teeming with an interesting tapestry of theatricals, underscored by themes and spaces that are as empirical and hard-hitting as they are daring and entertaining. Be it the retelling of the fairy tale Hänsel and Gretel in a unique installation on stage, a quirky take on Shakespeare's classics amid a bamboo grove or blurring the lines between fact and fiction in the form of a documentary play, the city's playwrights and actors are more than willing to edge away from the archaic styles and test their smarts on new forms of drama. On
World Theatre Day
, we speak to some of the brains behind such experiments, who are exploring their passion to make plays an emblematic part of mainstream performing arts.
Why experiment? “Because it’s about time we give the audience more diversity through performances that are more radical, engaging and based on the cadences of life. If we want to break free from the traditional scripted theatre that, sometimes, lack spontaneity, we will have to tailor new techniques and explore other forms that are more reflective and less fictional. Playback and shadow theatricals, for instance, are carving a niche among the audiences in the city, who are receptive and constantly looking for more nuanced art forms,” says Ranji David, the founder and lead facilitator of Organizational Theatre.
So, what's the trick to hit a high note with the audience? “Just like fast food on the street, the new generation is more drawn towards sarcastic, quick-humoured plays that touch upon the joys and perils of everyday life, but with an interesting twist. People no longer want to sit through a two-hour long play based on complex emotions. Making experiments with the various tools available is pertinent, if we want to keep sailing. One does not need to be sort of an activist to sensitize people about various issues of the society, we can still do it through theatre that is agile and entertaining,” says Shruthi Raju, of Underdog Entertainment – a theatre group that is notoriously famous for their satirical pieces that mostly revolve around love, lust, homosexuality and everything else that is shushed.
What more do we need? “Theatre-wise, no doubt Bengaluru is currently at a high. But for this trend to sustain and flourish, we need more dialogue and collaboration between arts collectives in the city. There are a lot performances happening at various unconventional pockets, as well as new methods and props being experimented with, but restrictions still exist in certain spaces, in terms of putting up a set or structure that don’t stick to the traditional norms. People here are very receptive and open to newer forms of performing arts. We should be able to give them more,” says actor-writer Piyush Agarwal, who spearheads Tahatto.
Different forms of drama practiced in the city Playback theatre: It is a creative, on-the-spot composition of personal stories collected through conversations with the audience. It can have a cathartic impact on both the actors and the onlookers.
Forum theatre: It is a solution-driven play that presents a complex real-life incident in front of a group of people, and at the end of it seeks different perspectives from the audience to solve the issue.
Mushaira theatre: Here, the audience is encouraged to come up with a poem based on a relevant topic. The actors, then, enact the verses of the composition and spread the message.
Shadow theatre: Something that was earlier used as an element in plays now comprise a full-length performance. This form is spectacular and mostly portrays a journey to the unknown.
Revue theatre: Mostly based on comic sketches, revue is an entertaining form of performing arts that is presented in multiple short acts, peppered with music and dance.
Metatheatre: It essays a serious subject with a touch of comedy. Metatheatre teases human conscience, prodding audience laugh at the protagonist be empathetic at the same time.
Puppet theatre: Here human beings are presented as puppets. Although predominantly funny, this form uses a lot of monologues and stop-motion techniques to put forth a serious message.
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