A bastion of theatrical finesse and relentless creative spirit, Laxmi Chandrashekar, a discerning theatre, cinema, television actor, and authoritative professor of English Literature, has recently celebrated an astonishing six decades in the realm of theatre. Renowned for her captivating solo performances, such as “Eddelu,” “Medea,” “Kittalemane Kaveri,” and “Lady Minus Macbeth,” she has indelibly marked her presence in both Kannada and English theatre spheres with her dynamic artistry.
In honor of her 60-year theatrical journey and to commemorate her quarter-century mark as a solo performance maestro, Kriyative Theatre Trust organized the Abhinetri Festival. The culturally enriching display featured three of her acclaimed solo performances: “Singarevva and the Palace,” “Shakespeare’s Wife,” and “Kaveri of Kittale Villa.” This festival was held at the Indian Institute of World Culture in Basavanagudi and the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur.
At 73, Laxmi Chandrashekar remains a paragon of performance excellence. Reflecting upon her formative years, she recalls the onset of her theatre passion during high school. “I started acting in plays when I was in school and have never looked back,” she asserts. The dedication to her craft only deepened with time. Describing her move to Mysuru for pre-university education, Laxmi shares how the seeds for her amateur theatre group were sown, ensuing a journey that evolved seamlessly into her college days.
It was in the year 1967, during her first year of college, that her commitment to theatre crystallized. She joined Samatento, a pioneering amateur theatre troupe in Mysuru. Through this involvement, her relationship with theatre grew more profound, guided by mentors who were part of this artistic collective.
Photographic and biographical documentation captures the essence of the artiste, Laxmi Chandrashekar, further enriching her story with visual narrative—affording audiences a glimpse into the professional that has adeptly balanced parallel careers in education and the performing arts.
After marriage to Dr. B.K Chandrashekar, her creative labors found a new backdrop in Bengaluru. Here, she associated with the troupe at Samudaya and engaged in over two decades of memorable theatre work. Alongside, she juggled her academic responsibilities, offering literature instruction at NMKRV College, Jayanagar, influencing minds with her dual expertise.
Desiring an autonomous space for her unique brand of solo performances, Laxmi recognized the practical need for control over the viability and funding of her productions. “Solo plays are tricky, some work and some do not; I did not want another troupe to spend its money on my productions. I wanted to fund my own plays,” she elucidates on her strategic move to establish Kriyative Theatre in 2005—an initiative that has since flourished, producing a plethora of solo and ensemble pieces.
Discussing the nuances of her solo career, Laxmi highlights the autonomy it affords, which has allowed her to craft narratives that foreground the multifaceted identities, struggles, and exploitations endured by women. Intent on correcting historical oversights, she leverages her writing to spotlight women who have been sidelined within canonical works, including Shakespearean dramas.
Despite the inherent challenges, including the anxiety of unfilled houses and the sheer physical demands placed upon her as an artist, Laxmi terms her theatre voyage as predominantly joyful. “The lows are when people do not turn up to watch you perform,” she shares candidly, noting the effort that goes into maintaining her vitality for each performance.
Still, she concludes with a note of gratitude and contentment. “It has been a happy journey, and I have no regrets,” affirms Laxmi, revealing a resilient heart that beats for the stage—a heart that thrives amidst the ovations and the echoes of quiet theatres alike. Her career stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the profound influence of arts and culture within the vibrant landscape of Karnataka’s capital, Bangalore, and beyond.
