Even the theatre sector has opted for digital while the film industry continues to be wracked by the pandemic's impact. The theatre industry has shifted in the last year, with several plays being showcased online on various platforms. On World Theatre Day, we speak with actors who have been a part of the theatre's digital transformation.We ask them about the affect of pandemic as well as the way forward for theatre industry.Even the theatre sector has opted for digital while the film industry continues to be wracked by the pandemic's impact. The theatre industry has shifted in the last year, with several plays being showcased online on various platforms. On World Theatre Day, we speak with actors who have been a part of the theatre's digital transformation.We ask them about the affect of pandemic as well as the way forward for theatre industry.Even the theatre sector has opted for digital while the film industry continues to be wracked by the pandemic's impact. The theatre industry has shifted in the last year, with several plays being showcased online on various platforms. On World Theatre Day, we speak with actors who have been a part of the theatre's digital transformation.We ask them about the affect of pandemic as well as the way forward for theatre industry.Even the theatre sector has opted for digital while the film industry continues to be wracked by the pandemic's impact. The theatre industry has shifted in the last year, with several plays being showcased online on various platforms. On World Theatre Day, we speak with actors who have been a part of the theatre's digital transformation.We ask them about the affect of pandemic as well as the way forward for theatre industry.
Lillete Dubey- Actor-director Lillete Dubey has directed digital plays Adhe Adhure and Womanly Voices
Human interaction, in my opinion, is the very core of theatre. The mutual experience of being in the same room and interacting in real time is extremely important to me. It's the heart of theatre, and it's what I'm missing the most. This step will be extremely difficult for those who depend on the theatre for a living.We just need to find a way to survive and make money, and there is no risk in moving on with online productions. But, yes, these are temporary workarounds, and this is not how theatre is meant to survive or flourish in the present or future. I am sure that theatre will recover and that people will flock to see it live once more.
Shreyas Talpade - He is launching Nine Rasa, an OTT site dedicated to performing arts and theatres
The pandemic has had a negative impact on the industry. Theatres were forced to close, displacing a large number of actors and technicians who relied on them. Many people attempted to do something online, such as working from home. Some people agreed that digital was the way to go. It's necessary to strike a balance between old and new so might as well use it.Of course, we can continue to do live shows in the theatre industry, but I believe it is past time for us to adopt technology. It's past time for Indian theatre to reach out to a broader audience; why should it be confined to only India? It is important that we make contact.
Sonali Kulkarni -Sonali Kulkarni has appeared in digital plays White Lily, Night Rider, and Rahenge Gardish Mein Taare.
The new standard has had a significant impact on socialising and artistic partnerships, and this has had a significant impact on theatre. The entire theatre industry is struggling financially as a result of theatre closures, tours, and shows being cancelled. At this time, it appears that the digital route is the only viable option for reaching out to audiences efficiently and securely, and I am grateful that it is open.I believe that online and digital media will be essential means of communication for artists as well as entertainment for audiences. There are options available today regardless of which language you want to watch a play in. The majority of actors are now comfortable with the digital format as well. So, despite the restrictions, there are open doors through which you can contact the audience in a safe way during the pandemic.
Aahana Kumra - Actor Aahana Kumra has been a part of digital play Sir Sir Sarla
If my memory serves me right, the digital theatre path was already taking shape before the pandemic. Many plays, like my teleplay Sir Sir Sarla, which we shot before the pandemic, were already being digitised. This is where the millennials are and where the future is heading.We are currently performing plays in most theatres with 50% capacity, but we should digitise plays in the future and keep a record of what they reflect and archive them for the next generation because we truly do not know what the future holds. I'm optimistic that, whatever happens, theatre will survive and prosper because there will still be an audience eager to see a performance.we just need to reach them one way or another.
Rajeev Khandelwal - Part of the digital play Court Martial
It was a dream come true to do a digital play. What happens is that theatrical productions need people to go out and see them, but due to the pandemic, people were unable to go out and see the plays due to theatre closures. As a result, I believe that online plays are a fantastic way to retain the essence of theatres. It was a massive high in my life for me to pull this off. The idea of a digital play is what drew me to it in the first place.