An Experience Called Theatre

When a part of your life is over, the realization usually comes as a surprise, an after-effect. Here’s the truth of it, in all its bareness: I watched the first play of my life ! (What was I doing all this while in Bangalore? ... I wonder ! )

Met my friend after a real long time in Ranga Shankara over a play today.




Ranga Shankara is not just another auditorium intended to only house plays, it is an experience. Its a state of the art theatre. As one enters the place, one can see a grand foyer with leading staircase which has a Love-at-first sight effect. The place is decorated beautifully with posters and things giving it a very ethnic touch. There is a book shop and a cafe which catches your eye right away. Thus this place serves an edifying purpose even for those who are not so much into theatre, it’s a cultural hub.

As it was my first encounter with theatre, am glad my friend had decided on the play and booked the tickets, so luckily I had nothing to do but to look forward to the play titled “Hedda Gabler”. We were handed a small booklet which had all the details of the group with cast details and credits. It was thoroughly professional.

As we entered the auditorium, it looked like a premier place for a theatre performance. There was free seating which kept us on our toes to grab the best seat. I sat in the centre of the front row , it was as close as it could get to the stage and the actors. And as soon as we settled in our seats , the play started.

There I was in wonderland; it was what I would call the best human art form. Each actor entering the play was a living, breathing character with a completely different personality. There was not a single microphone not that it was required. The voices were reverberating in the auditorium.It was an intense script with all elements of Love, hate, betrayal and jealousy . I had thought of looking up the plot of the play before going but missed it. Everything about the play was superb.

There was a scene towards the end when the actor said his piece looking straight in the centre where i was sitting. He made an eye contact and looking at me he delivered his dialogue. A spine chilling moment that was ! The focal point of the play, Sheebha Chadda who played Hedda did total justice to the role. It was amazing to see how all actors got into the role with great ease and aplomb.

As the play got over and the cast came forward to take a bow, there were tears in Sheeba’s eyes which has left an everlasting effect on my mind. I could not detach my mind for quite some time after the play got over. The fact that Theatre not only has the ability to make us smile, to make us cry, it makes us think and reflect. I had never really thought of theatre or its role in our life before. The fact that it’s a source of entertainment and inspiration and has the ability to unify the many diverse cultures and peoples that exist throughout the world is just superficial. It is more than that and can also provide opportunities to educate and inform.

I left the hall with so many thoughts in my mind.It was truly inspiring and a great promotion of creative excellence. It is one of the most beatiful way I have spent my time and look forward to many more such sensitive experiences.