Arundhati Nag's theatre is testament to the tenacity of women when it comes to reviving the performing arts
Arundhati Nag's theatre is testament to the tenacity of women when it comes to reviving the performing artsArundhati Nag is a content person today. Ranga Shankara, the theatre she built in her late husband Shankar Nag's memory five years ago in Bangalore, will soon stage its 2000th play. For someone who entered theatre by accident, this is a great achievement.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE: Arundhati Nag"I had walked on stage and some sort of magic happened. I remember meeting Shankar who was going through the same magic at the same time. Our journey began there," she says. But it was not always easy. The couple had wanted to give back to society by building a theatre where at least one play would be staged six days a week. But Shankar passed away and Arundhati had to realise the dream on her own.
A major stumbling block was, "raising funds in a country where education, sanitation and food are the main concerns," she recalls. "Those with funds wanted to donate for charity. Convincing them that theatre was an important yardstick for society was a Herculean task."
With patience and determination, Arundhati built the Ranga Shankara, but her struggles have not yet ended. "The rentals barely serve to pay the electricity cost for a day. But I'm not complaining. We have taken it up as a public service. We have a wealth of performing arts and it is our responsibility to keep them alive."
Arundhati has a simple message for all women. "We have the capacity and tenacity to do anything. I always say find your passion besides your husband, kids and job. That one thing is what will last you, beyond all relationships."
