Amidst concerns about declining cinema footfall, Abhishek Iyengar believes that theatre is a more valued art form for Kannada audiences. The theatre director who is staging two Kannada plays in Bengaluru this weekend — By2Coffee which explores a mother-son relationship and generational differences through a road trip that leads to a debate about marriage and Kone Galige which portrays the final hour of a condemned convict, as a warden driven by guilt attempts to grant his last wishes — shares, “With numerous plays being staged every weekend, Kannada theatre is currently vibrant. In the realm of regional theatre, Kannada stands out as one of the most active, alongside perhaps Marathi and Bengali. I believe the Kannada audience is mature and values theatre more than cinema on a larger scale.” But, the director notes, the challenges Kannada theatre faces is growing rapidly. Excerpts from a chat:

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Kannada theatre has

limitations, h

owever, the relevance remains’

In a growing metropolitan city like Bengaluru, one challenge is the potential diminishing of the Kannada audience against a large immigrant population who may not fully understand the language. While there are pockets where Kannada plays can be performed successfully, it’s difficult in areas like Whitefield, Marathahalli, or Sadashivnagar, where the Kannada-speaking audience is relatively smaller. It’s not to blame them, of course, as it’s a largely migrant population. In Bengaluru, one challenge is the potential diminishing of the Kannada audience against a large immigrant population. While there are pockets where Kannada plays can be performed successfully, it’s difficult in areas like Whitefield, Marathahalli, or Sadashivnagar, where the Kannada-speaking audience is smaller. Secondly, we have limited infrastructure, specifically auditoriums outside central areas, where Kannada theatre could be staged. The limitations are increasing, however, the relevance remains. n. Secondly, we have very limited infrastructure, specifically in terms of auditoriums outside central areas, where Kannada theatre could be staged. The limitations are increasing, however, the relevance remains. And I believe, compared to other cities in Karnataka, Bengaluru still has the highest number of plays staged daily.

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Contemporary theatre is growing in Bengaluru’

The Bengaluru audience is evolving. They’re now receptive to contemporary performances alongside traditional folk theatre. Contemporary theatre is growing. For example, I primarily create plays based on contemporary stories, and I’ve received significant positive support from audiences. I’ve realised, people want stories relevant to their lives. They relate to these stories more than traditional folk tales. Younger audiences are particularly drawn to contemporary storytelling. While the older generation still appreciates folk plays, they’re also exploring and enjoying contemporary works.

‘Performing art uses language as just a tool’

I believe that theatre, or any performing art, uses language as just a tool. You don’t need to understand every word to grasp the essence of what’s happening. Non-Kannada folk should experience theatre. It’s a chance to explore the local language and culture