Lucknow: A studio interview and recording session on the theme ‘Theatre and Social Change’ was held at the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) studio in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, on Sunday for the Akademi’s archival collection.
The programme was organised as part of the state’s efforts to promote and preserve art and culture. Senior theatre personality and former Director of the Bharatendu Natya Akademi, Puneet Asthana, who has also been honoured by the Akademi, participated as the subject expert. The interaction was conducted by Bharatendu Natya Akademi spokesperson Manoj Mishra.
Speaking about the role of theatre in social transformation, Asthana said theatre has the potential to make a significant contribution to social change. He observed that effective theatre neither imposes its message directly on the audience nor presents it in an unnecessarily complicated manner. Its primary purpose, he said, is to establish powerful communication that moves from the stage and reaches the hearts and minds of viewers, allowing them to draw their own conclusions.
Recalling an emotional incident, Asthana said that during a performance of Sandhyachhaya, the elderly couple at the centre of the play dies by suicide after their children settle abroad, leaving them to lead lonely lives in India. Senior theatre personality Hallo Bhaiya became so emotional after witnessing the tragic ending that he reportedly left the auditorium saying, “No, this cannot happen.”
Asthana also highlighted theatre’s role in empowering persons with disabilities and helping introverted children become more expressive and confident. He praised emerging playwrights while stressing the need for experimentation with venues and formats for staging plays.
Dr Pawan Kumar coordinated the programme on behalf of the Akademi and expressed gratitude to the invited guests.
