T for Theatre !!!

Ravi Shanker, a Delhi based theatre activist talks to Kuljeet Singh about his involvement with the new concept of Theatre and for him T means only Theatre. Excerpts from the interview:

Ravi Shanker

Kuljeet Singh: What is Theatre for you?

Ravi Shanker: Theatre for me is a medium & opportunity for people to meet, communicate, relate, discern and evolve together.

KS: What do you feel about Indian Theatre in totality?

RS: Theatre in India is off course evolving according to the understanding and perseverance of the Practitioners of Theatre.

KS: What is your choice of subjects?

RS: I have no choice in fact; I explore whatsoever I feel strongly about.

KS: Is there any dream role/dream play you wish to act/direct?

RS: Just one of that kind that help people discern the undiscoursable and the unrealized.

KS: What is ATELIER into?

RS: Atelier is into Communication and learning in relationship through Theatre, Workshops and Festivals.

KS: How do you manage your living?

RS: By doing Theatre and Workshops.

KS: What is your genre?

RS: No particular genre. I am into Creative Theatre, which is apparently evolving and changing in nature.

KS: What is the future of Theatre?

RS: The future I have no idea of however the present of Theatre is evolving. This is the time when the world realizes the significance of Theatre in Every aspect of life.

KS: Is Theatre a launching pad for Bollywood/films?

RS: Theatre is an effective medium and can be used for any purpose.

KS: Is training Important?

RS: Yes, it is very important to understand the SELF and SURROUNDING and that is possible only when one explores the self and examines the world around without any presupposition and training in Theatre gives one a platform and opportunities to do the same.

KS: What gone wrong with Delhi Theatre?

RS: What!!! Nothing it’s evolving…!

KS: Do you think there shall be more Institutes like National School of Drama???

RS: Considering the significance of Theatre for a better society and unexplored and dormant dreams of many to explore Theatre. We must have at least one School of Drama in every district of the country.  This is one of my strong feelings that if the entire world is trained in Theatre, then there would be Love, Peace and No Traffic signal; for theatre brings cooperation and coordination, both.

KS: Is Theatre viable?

RS: Yes. There is always Houseful and “No Tickets” available scenario.

KS: What is the project you are working on currently?

RS: We are currently developing a new production called The Little Soldier, which inquires into the disintegrating nature of the prejudiced mind that claims it to be the sole custodian of the ultimate truth. The play unravels the separating elements generated by existing religions and endeavors to stir the psyche of mankind that is stagnated with ideas, beliefs, dogmas and ideologies about The Unlimited.

KS: Is Theatre a part time affair as you are also raising your living by other means?

RS: There is no part time and no other means. I make my living only through the application of Theatre.

KS: You always wanted to be Theatre Director?

RS: No, this seems to be one of the acts of my life-script.

KS: What is your family’s response/reaction?

RS: They are overwhelmed…

KS: Did your parents support you when you decided for theatre?

RS: They were ignorant and could not realize the significance of Theatre. They were actually confused and worried about my survival.
 
KS: What is your take on Commercial Theatre?

RS: Very much like a 9 to 5 Clerical practice. I wonder if we can see BEYOND commerce as well.

KS: Do you wish to shift your base to Mumbai?

RS: What’s wrong with Delhi!

KS: How about films?

RS: Working on idea-building for a film which will be produced by Atelier.

KS: What is the age group you work with?

RS: 10 to 50years

KS: Do you enjoy Theatre always?

RS: Very much.

KS: Anything else you wish to do?

RS: There are a few things I m ruminating over. They will be presented after their maturation.

Ravi Shanker is the Creative Director of Atelier. He has devised and designed workshops on Creative Teaching, Creative Learning, Self Evolution and Soft Skills incorporating drama and Theatre-in-Education techniques for teachers/trainers, middle management people, frontline executives and street children. The workshops have been an eye opener for more than two thousand individuals from institutions and enterprise in and around Delhi.

He is empanelled with Oxford University Press India, and Indian Express as a Resource Person and has conducted workshops on Theatre in Education Programme for Teachers and Students in more than 200 schools associated with the abovementioned organizations.

He has been conducting workshops on Communication (TIE-Programme) for the middle management and frontline executives of Hygeiacare Health management Services Pvt. Ltd.

He has been the visiting faculty for Theatre in Education Programs of the   Shri Ram School - Gurgaon, Sanskriti School - Delhi, Manavsthali School - Delhi and DAV Public School - Gurgaon. He has also designed and directed Annual Function Plays for about ten schools in and around Delhi.

Ravi has been trained in Theatre at Imago School of Acting under the expert guidance of Barry John. He has acted, staged-managed and been an Assistant Director in numerous plays since 1999; The Life and Times of Galileo, The Legend of Ram, The Fifty Day War; to name a few.

For more enquiries, please contact ravishanker@atelierexpressions.com or call +91 9310939120.