Nov 28 2026 to Nov 28 2026 4:30 p.m.

Where

Sabha Blr

No.44/A, Kamaraj Road, Bharati Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru 560042

Event Description

Tradition and Modernity in Contemporary Theatre

A Conversation with Sharanya Ramprakash, Laya N Kumar and Parshathy J Nath

Moderated by Lakshmana KP 

The traditions with which contemporary urban Indian theatre artists can engage are immense, embracing mythologies, folk tales and performances, art and craft objects and practices, festivals and rituals, cuisine, inherited knowledge and skills, and much else besides. At the same time, the distinction between the traditional and the modern is not clearcut. Modern theatre in India has a history that stretches back for over two centuries — long enough to develop its own traditions. Dance forms now regarded as ‘classical’ acquired modern practices of teaching, performance and patronage in the last century. 

The theatre artists in this session will speak about their idea of tradition and how they have interacted with it in the plays they have written, directed or performed. They will also be invited to discuss ethical and political questions that come to the fore when tradition is brought into contemporary theatre work. Has their work been sensitive to the claim that borrowing from inherited forms of expression can constitute a form of cultural theft or disrespects localised and context-specific creation of value and meaning? How would they negotiate with traditions that have been invented in response to market demands or political pressures? Has their work reconciled with, or has it offered a critical perspective on the feudalism, casteism and gender discrimination embedded in many traditional performances and stories?

For enquiries please contact: 50yearsofinlaks@gmail.com