World Theatre Day: Theatre stars discuss theatre’s unmatched live energy in the age of AI

World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27 to revisit the beauty of theatrical arts and their role in the entertainment industry worldwide. From William Shakespeare to Mirza Ghalib, poets and novelists have contributed many literature gems that have served as an inspiration to plays, films and shows that continue to entertain us. Keeping the tradition alive in India is Zee Theatre with its unique teleplays that merge the different forms of art, enriching all, one play at a time. 

On World Theatre Day today, WION spoke to theatre and TV personalities like Purva Naresh, Amruta Subhash, Manav Gohil and Aditi Pohakar about their views on keeping the romance of theatre alive in today’s tech-dominated world and theatre’s role in shaping the actors they are today.

Here are the edited excerpts from our lengthy exclusive chats:

WION: On World Theatre Day, we’d like to know how you keep the romance with the medium alive in the age of Artificial Intelligence and instant gratification via social media entertainment?

Purva Naresh: The strength of theatre lies in its live energy. Every show offers something different to the audience and the performers. AI is a different entity and lacks the human element. In terms of numbers and human interconnectedness, theatre will always have more impact. Its romance is matchless.

Amruta Subhash:  I don't think AI or social media content can compete with the experience theatre gives us because theatre is live art. In theatre, we are playing with energy as performers and there is also an exchange of energy between the actors and the audience which AI cannot reproduce or replicate. AI may mimic dialogues and even emotions but it can never replace the vibrant energy of theatre. I think theatre will always transcend platforms that offer momentary gratification.

Manav Gohil: I believe, theatre offers us the purest possible connection with art. With so much gimmickry involved in creating content nowadays, the pleasure of acting or creating something directly from a script in theatre is so organic. Remaining in touch with theatre, whether actively or passively, is essential. Sometimes, I'm not able to act on stage regularly, but I continue to support theatre by attending performances regularly. This fire must be kept burning to keep the romance of theatre alive. 

Aditi Pohakar: As the saying goes, ‘There is nothing permanent except change'. We must adapt to changes in technologies, concepts, and ideologies to progress. The human mind constantly seeks improvement, and artists must evolve accordingly. Despite busy shooting schedules, I make time for plays or at least watch them to stay connected with the theatre.

Makarand Deshpande, my mentor, is also a playwright known for his commitment to the medium. I have watched and performed in many of his plays like ‘Ram’ and ‘Manushya’. Even now, theatre remains a vital medium for artists like me because certain characteristics like live interaction with the audience are irreplaceable. Even if stage performances shut down, I believe street plays will continue. As long as there is a need to express oneself, theatre will never die.

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WION: How do you look back on your journey as an artist in the theatre space?

Purva: Theatre has allowed me to tell my stories my way. It has empowered me as a storyteller and as a woman. I was a stranger to this city and from that point, theatre has brought me to where I am today. This journey has been full of magic and wonderful people who just kept turning up and showing support. It's been a beautiful, hard, challenging, and yet very satisfying journey.

Amruta: Theatre always has been and always will be my first love. My guru in theatre, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah, who has been my mentor since the National School of Drama days, keeps asking me when I am doing my next play. His influence and also my deep attraction to theatre, keep me coming back to the stage. Theatre has had a profound effect on me, both consciously and subconsciously.

Manav: Theatre has been an integral part of my artistic journey, albeit sporadically. I started with theatre upon arriving in Bombay, where I immersed myself in acting courses, joined esteemed theatre groups and worked with icons like Kader Khan Saab, K.K. Raina and many more. Although I haven't been consistently working in theatre, each experience has left me rejuvenated as an actor.

Aditi: I like to consider myself a fresh actor, continuously learning the process. My sister is a playwright, and I used to tell her that I still don't feel like I'm an actor. Whenever I receive a new script, I feel like a new person. I read it many times and then a creative journey ensues over the next few months. I think the moment an artist starts believing they are a complete performer, their growth will stagnate. I never feel that way; instead, I often feel the need to learn and practice continuously. In a way, it's like reaching divinity. That's one of the reasons why I seek more opportunities to work in theatre.

WION: Do you think theatre hones your skill as a performer?

Purva: It taught me that anything is possible. Rain is possible without it raining because, on stage, your imagination is not bound to reality. It has taught me that darkness is beautiful and is full of transformative options. Darkness arrives to change the scene... in life and on stage.

Amruta: There are no retakes. You can't just say, ''Oh! let's redo this again. I forgot my dialogues.'' So as an actor, you're always on your toes. "The show must go on", is our motto. It's very much similar to life. In life also, we can't just say, ''I don't know how to react in this situation so, I don't want this situation.'' 

We have to be prepared for anything and everything and the survival mode that stage teaches you is very important to hone your skills. It's an interplay of emotions and concentration, and it's more challenging than acting before a camera. Theatre teaches you to channel your emotions and work on character development and vocal clarity. All these skills go a long way in turning us into complete actors.

Manav: Theatre is a fantastic platform for honing one's craft because it delves deeply into character exploration. Rehearsing and dissecting a script numerous times allows for a comprehensive understanding of the character, enabling actors to embody them authentically. This process nurtures emotional intelligence, which is invaluable when transitioning to other mediums like film and television. Despite sporadic involvement, my time in theatre has undoubtedly enriched my skills and perspective as an actor.

Purva Naresh was recently seen in Zee Theatre's teleplay Aaj Rang Hai, Amruta Subhash is a part of the teleplay Hamidabai Ki Kothi, Manav Gohil is a part of Zee Theatre's teleplay Chanda Hain Tu while Aditi Pohakar featured in teleplay Typecaste.