On a special day dedicated to celebrating the magic of live performances, actors hailing from the vibrant sphere of theatre take a moment to share their heartfelt journeys and tributes to this dynamic art form. World Theatre Day brings together a community of actors, including the likes of Seema Pahwa and Ashish Vidyarthi, who have honed their craft beneath the spotlight, instilling audiences with awe and reverence through their stories of human experience.
With the stage as a cornerstone of their artistic life, these performers candidly share their tales and insights, revealing how theatre is not just an occupation but an essential part of their being.
Amruta Subhash, acclaimed for her compelling performance in ‘Hamidabai Ki Kothi,’ speaks of the stage as a realm of wonders. Contending with a fever before a crucial performance, she stepped onto the stage only to find her ailment vanish, resurfacing only after the curtains fell. Describing theatre as a meditative and transformative experience, Subhash sees the stage as a giver of miraculous gifts, a source of boundless energy that lifts her to a state of elation.
When questioned on the perennial debate between the allure of the screen and the stage, Subhash expresses a devotion to the art of storytelling, irrespective of the medium. What truly captivates her is not the platform but the power of a good script. She emphasizes her gratitude, as life continually presents her with enriching scripts across theatre, cinema, and the OTT space.
Aditi Pohankar, reminiscing about her past performances, equates the stage to a sanctuary where she feels the most freedom and connection. She likens the shared breath of the audience to a form of divine energy, which fuels her until it’s replaced by the routine of daily life once the applause ends. Despite the ephemeral nature of this rush, it’s an unmatched high for her, making theatre an inseparable aspect of her life.
Seema Pahwa, recognized for her impactful roles like in ‘Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi,’ describes theatre as a crucible for honing one’s acting prowess. It is in the spartan surroundings of the stage, often devoid of elaborate sets, that an actor’s skill truly shines, painting vivid images through the craft of performance. For Pahwa, the essence of theatre lies in the collective act of imagination, where actors and audience unite to suspend disbelief and bring life to the story at hand.
Conversely, Ashish Vidyarthi, known for his role in ‘Khufiya,’ highlights the adrenaline and fears intertwined within the live performance. He speaks of the exhilarating journey from rehearsals to the final act and the significance of each show. Emphasizing that every performance is a unique opportunity, Vidyarthi reveals that the art of theatre teaches flexibility and spontaneity, urging performers to connect with the audience and remain present in every moment.
This World Theatre Day, as we peek behind the curtain, actors not only reminisce but also impart the weight of wisdom collected over countless acts. They reaffirm that the stage, with its ability to transcend the ordinary and evoke the extraordinary, remains a paragon of cultural and personal expression. Within the embrace of the proscenium, actors and spectators alike find a shared heartbeat, an experience that continues to call artists back to its enigmatic grasp, time and time again.
