On World theatre Day in 2024, actors will share their perspectives on the enduring appeal of theatre

Theatre is one of the oldest art forms and has always been a vital component of our culture. A considerable amount of the success of many outstanding performers, like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Utpal Dutt, Shabana Azmi, and Neena Gupta, may be attributed to the theatrical medium. In the meantime, theater’s influence is expanding to keep up with the changes, adopting new forms like teleplays.

“The notion that “theatre ek gareeb medium hai” ought to be modified.”
Even the younger generation, who haven’t seen live performances, may now experience the wonders of theatre thanks to these media. Actors who have impacted theatre and film share the hope that this immersive experience will continue to inspire many more generations on World theatre Day (March 27).

Veteran actor Raghubir Yadav, who has performed in plays since 1967, emphasises the priceless lessons that theatre teaches, especially when it comes to confidence. Yadav, who was last seen in the teleplay “Bagiya Bancharam Ki,” says that being on stage in front of an audience requires a great deal of self-assurance. The self-assurance that is developed on stage may also make overcoming obstacles in life easier. Furthermore, theatrical performances provide a motivation that is really exceptional and incomparable.
Gajraj Rao, a well-known actor and theatre artist, explains that theatre requires constant focus and impromptu reactions, in contrast to film, where a scene is split into several views and sequences that may be altered during editing. The production and editing of a movie or web series might take many months, so there may be a lengthy wait for viewer reaction. Nothing, however, can be more fulfilling than the audience’s instant love and respect for theatre after a performance,” he continues.

Actor-director Seema Pahwa believes that theatre is a masterfully designed space in which to showcase your acting abilities. “Theatre also gives the audience equal space,” she notes. If theatres were like homes, the performers’ windows and doors would be how the audience would see the material. The audience is often transported to several locales by the performers’ skill and performance, since we are unable to build many backdrops for the plot in theatre.

Amruta Subhash, who acted in the teleplay “Hamidabai Ki Kothi,” regards theatre as one of the finest forums and feels that the stage aids in the development of performers’ skills. “Theatre offers a direct and immediate connection with the audience, unlike other platforms,” the speaker continues, “requiring actors to deliver performances with raw authenticity and precision.” The collaborative aspect of theatre enables performers to delve deeply into the subtleties and complexity of a character’s story.
Actress Smita Bansal, who starred in Zed theatre’s teleplay Chand Hai Tu, says about Balika Vadhu: “One important thing that sets theatre apart is that it offers enormous creative satisfaction.” Actors strengthen their relationships and hone their professions through a variety of rehearsal sessions. Ultimately, those rehearsal sessions give the play fresh vitality and intensity when you go onto the stage. Play acting is difficult because it requires you to be on your toes and flexible in order to interact with the audience and your fellow performers. All things considered, it’s been a lovely and rewarding experience.

Manav Gohil—Smita’s co-actor—emphasises the value of rehearsal sessions. He started his acting career in theatre before making a name for himself in Gujarati and Hindi films. “During these sessions, actors read the script over a hundred times, and with each reading, they gain a deeper understanding of the character,” he explains. An individual’s EQ is developed during the whole theatrical process, allowing them to play the role wisely. As a result, a lot of directors now provide beginning performers with theatrical training.

For some people, theatre is a way of life rather than merely a technique to express one’s creativity. According to Chandan Roy Sanyal, “theatre naturally develops actors, and the best actors frequently come from theatre.” But theatre is more than simply acting; it’s a way of life where people from different backgrounds collaborate to create something greater than themselves. The audience’s love and respect for them, along with the money and work they put in, are often the biggest rewards for them as they pursue their creative goals.

Having performed in several well-known plays and teleplays, such as “Typecaste,” Aaditi Pohankar thinks of theatre as a communal idea. The theatre, according to her, is more akin to a hallowed space where you may discover your actual abilities and go deeply inside yourself. I would describe it as a place of devotion because it draws you so close to yourself.