A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Theatre for the Next Generation: Young Voices, New Perspectives” was held at Gauranjani Auditorium Ravindra Bhawan at the center stage the talk show hosted by Club Literati.
The panel, moderated by Lokesh Gulyani, featured esteemed theatre artists and experts, including Reeta Verma, Manoj Nair, Bhumika Dube, Maloy Jain, and Mumtaz Khan. The discussion spanned diverse aspects of theatre, from its traditional roots to its role in contemporary society, digital transformation, and accessibility to the younger generation.
Reflecting on the transformation of theatre over the years, Reeta Verma remarked, “Earlier, there wasn’t as much experimentation in theatre as we see today. The younger generation is highly intelligent, bringing new perspectives and innovations.” She highlighted how traditional forms of theatre were once limited, but now encompass a variety of artistic expressions.
Adding to the conversation, Manoj Nair, known for his unique theatrical style, shared insights into choosing relevant themes for plays. “Experimentation is meaningful only when it reaches the audience effectively,” he stated. He emphasized that the essence of theatre lies in its ability to connect with people on a deeper level.
Maloy Jain further elaborated on the role of writing in shaping modern theatre. “Writing plays a crucial role in making theatre more approachable, accessible, and interesting for the youth,” he said. He stressed that plays must resonate with young audiences by addressing contemporary themes in a language they understand.
Discussing the impact of digital advancements, Bhumika dubey raised an important question: “In the digital age, how does theatre stay connected with its audience?” He explained that theatre must evolve by blending traditional storytelling with modern formats to maintain its relevance.
Mumtaz Khan added that theatre is not just an art form, needs adaptation as per the audience and the youth.
Lokesh then asked how theater can also be seen as a tool for societal change. He spoke about the role of theatre in breaking rigid mindsets and promoting inclusivity. “Women’s participation in theatre has evolved significantly. Earlier, it was only embraced by open-minded individuals, but today, it’s a powerful space for self-expression,” he noted.
The discussion also touched upon theatre as an essential part of education. The panelists unanimously agreed that theatre should be introduced in schools through dedicated theatre educators.
“Theatre should be a compulsory practice in schools, as it helps in personality development, humility, and discipline,” one panelist remarked.
Highlighting theatre’s ability to empower individuals from all walks of life, one speaker observed, “For children from underprivileged backgrounds who cannot afford expensive education, theatre can serve as a powerful platform for learning, discipline, and self-expression.”
As the discussion concluded, the panelists emphasized the need for continuous innovation in theatre. They encouraged young artists to “keep challenging the norms, experiment with new formats, and devise plays that resonate with contemporary audiences.”
Summing up the session, Lokesh Gulyani posed a reflective question to the panel: “Is today’s theatre the kind of theatre you envisioned?” The resounding answer was that while theatre has undergone tremendous change, its future holds endless possibilities for positive transformation.
With a diverse range of theatre groups and formats now available, there is something for everyone. The panel agreed that by staying dynamic and responsive to social changes, theatre will continue to thrive and inspire future generations
