‘Experimental turns conventional’

Is there room for experimental theatre in Bangalore?
Playwright Ram Ganesh in conversation with Puja Goyal

Dated: Sunday Vijay Times, 06 August 2006, Centrestage

RAM GANESH, scriptwriter and theatre personality, has directed, written and acted in many theatre productions, and specialised in experimental theatre. His recent play, Snakes and Ladders won five inter-collegiate awards over 13 shows.

Everyone is talking about experi- mental theatre. Is it a fad, or has it been established as a new form of theatre?

The concept of "experimental theatre" generally comes into play when a conventional genre inadequately describes the work in question. It's an ironic label because artists who self-consciously set out to create avant-garde work end up being absorbed in the "conventional" if the attempt is successful. For example, absurdist theatre in the mid-20th century may have been viewed as experimental at the time, but is now very much integrated into our definition of what "theatre" includes. I believe that experimental theatre is created when an artist challenges an existing aesthetic in an attempt to redefine or reinterpret it.

What about your experiences in experimental theatre?

A theatrical moment can be arrived at in a number of ways, and I'm open to the idea of the theatrical hybrid... however I also believe the text acts as a fulcrum for all this. Snakes and Ladders conflated a 17th century text with a modern story, and this manifested in its form ñ where a classic Greek chorus interacted with modern characters. Dancing on Glass used mixedmedia, splitting the narrative across stage and film ñ which attracted some criticism from traditionalists, although the emotional impact of the play's journey was heightened as a result. My next play, Crab, will continue to challenge audience in its usage of a fluid sense of time and space, in a non-linear narrative.

How easy is it to see your own play directed by someone else?

It's intensely traumatic and at the same time rewarding. Watching a director rehearse your text is like watching someone drive a car you've designed. Youíre always itching to make those tweaks and adjustments. Conversely, it doesn't feel good when you watch it driven into a wall.

Do you think experimental theatre will find space in Bangalore?

I believe Bangalore is exposed to new work and our sensibilities will continue to evolve. Commercial theatre is still in its nascent stages and I suppose once it finds its feet, it will create a strong backbone upon which many new things can take hold. Genre aside, engaging, entertaining and enlightening plays will always find a space for themselves. n