The much-anticipated CentreStage: The Talk Show, hosted by Club Literati, commenced with an enlightening discussion on the theme “Mythology: Roots of Performance.” The event, supported by M.P. Culture Department, brought together eminent scholars and theatre practitioners who explored the deep connection between epics, mythology, and theatrical traditions.
The distinguished panel included Atul Satya Kaushik, Nitesh Bhardwaj, Anuradha Shankar Singh, Harinarayan Charan Mishra, Ramgopal Soni, and Seema Raizada (moderator). Each speaker provided unique insights into how ancient narratives continue to shape contemporary storytelling and societal values.
Anuradha Shankar Singh passionately argued that the Ramayana and Mahabharata should not be categorized as mythology but rather as epics that hold historical and cultural significance. She emphasized that these texts are not mere myths but poetic chronicles that offer profound lessons.
Nitesh Bhardwaj elaborated on how the Mahabharata resonates with everyday life, drawing parallels between its moral dilemmas and modern societal challenges. His reflections offered a fresh perspective on how age-old narratives can provide guidance in contemporary times.
The discussion took an intriguing turn when the moderator posed a thought-provoking question to Atul Satya Kaushik, a civil servant, about the crimes witnessed daily and whether mythology offers any solutions. This led to an engaging exchange on how ancient texts provide ethical frameworks that remain relevant today.
Ramgopal Soni highlighted the integral role of nature in mythology, epics, and storytelling, shedding light on how landscapes described in The Jungle Book and other legendary tales are deeply rooted in real geography. He also emphasized that the Valmiki Ramayana provides an exquisite description of geography that still holds true today, offering existential proof of this epic literature.
A particularly thought-provoking moment occurred when the moderator asked Nitesh Bhardwaj how he has evolved in portraying Lord Krishna, from the Mahabharata series that concluded in 1990 to his current role in the play Chakravyuh. Nitesh reflected on how his upbringing in a Brahmin household deeply shaped his understanding of scriptures and wisdom. He explained that life’s challenges, when met with the lessons from literature (sahitya) and philosophical wisdom, provide a guide to navigate complexities with grace and resilience.
Seema Raizada then turned the discussion towards Atul Satya Kaushik, inquiring how he managed to depict over 130 characters in Chakravyuh and how audience engagement influenced the performance. Atul shared that the audience plays a crucial role in theatre, shaping the energy of every performance and allowing actors to continuously evolve their craft.
The session concluded with a powerful discussion on how education should empower individuals to pursue their aspirations, drawing inspiration from epics and theatre. When asked about the most inspiring character, Anuradha Shankar Singh named Sita, emphasizing her resilience and strength as a model for personal and societal transformation.
This engaging discussion set a powerful precedent for the CentreStage series, demonstrating how ancient narratives continue to inspire modern thought, performance, and life itself.
