Her commitment to fostering emerging talent has led to the discovery of promising playwrights, actors, and designers who contribute to the company's unique voice.
Shalaka
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Shalaka Ranadive, Founder of Dastak- Theatre Festival is a visionary leader at the forefront of revolutionizing theatre through her role as the Artistic Director of Wecandoit, a renowned theatre company known for its innovative and boundary-pushing productions. Under Shalaka’s leadership, Wecandoit production has gained international recognition for its daring and thought-provoking works. She is known for curating seasons that combine classic plays with contemporary pieces, reflecting the diverse nature of modern society. Her commitment to fostering emerging talent has led to the discovery of promising playwrights, actors, and designers who contribute to the company's unique voice. Shalaka’s thought leadership extends beyond the stage. She frequently participates in industry panels, delivering keynote speeches, and contributing articles to theatre publications. Her insights on the future of theatre, the role of technology in performances, and the importance of socially relevant narratives have made her a respected figure in the theatre community. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Shalaka is an advocate for community engagement. She believes in the power of theatre to inspire social change and often collaborates with local organizations to create outreach programs that make theatre accessible to underserved communities. She is an innovative spirit, commitment to excellence, and dedication to pushing artistic boundaries make her a true thought leader in the theatre world. Mid-Day catches up with her for a fireside chat. Time seemed to slip away as we delved into conversations about the evolution of theatre, the challenges of staging ambitious productions, and the importance of theatre as a mirror to society's joys and struggles. Every topic was illuminated by Shalaka’s insights, leaving us inspired and eager to explore more.
You have seen theatre revolutionising; can you share more about this?
Singapore's and India’s theatre scene has been gradually evolving and gaining recognition on both the local and international stages.
Both the countries are a multicultural and multilingual society, and its theatre reflects this diversity. Productions often incorporate languages like English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujrati, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, providing a platform for various communities to share their stories.
Particularly Singapore where Dastak originated and is loved by the community, frequently addresses contemporary issues related to identity, cultural heritage, urbanization, and globalization. Playwrights and directors explore how traditional values intersect with modern challenges. At Dastak, we have been successful in creating realistic stories which have connected to people’s heart. We have been bringing plays from India to Singapore to perform at Dastak. The production house even travelled to India and Malaysia to showcase its talent. It is definitely overwhelming to see how government from countries like Malaysia, India and Singapore have invested in promoting the arts, including theatre, through funding, grants, and infrastructure development. This support has enabled the growth of new talents and the establishment of professional theatre companies.
I have seen the rise of talented playwrights, directors, and actors who contribute to pushing the boundaries in ASIAN theatre through their innovative work.
Dastak, feels to us like a global format, do you plan to take it across various continents?
"The 'Dastak' theatre festival has garnered attention for its innovative and inclusive approach, making it feel like a global format. While we are working on taking Dastak to other countries, there are no official plans confirmed at the moment. The idea of taking 'Dastak' across various continents is an exciting prospect that aligns with its vision of fostering international cultural exchange through the arts.
Expanding 'Dastak' would require careful planning, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and preferences of each region. It would involve identifying local partners, theatre communities, and venues that share the festival's values and commitment to artistic excellence. Cross-continental expansion could bring a wealth of benefits, such as introducing diverse audiences to new and inspiring theatrical experiences, promoting intercultural understanding, and creating a platform for theatre practitioners from different parts of the world to collaborate and showcase their talents. However, it's important to acknowledge that such an endeavor would come with challenges. Adapting the festival's format to suit each region's cultural context while maintaining its core identity would be crucial. Logistics, funding, and ensuring consistent quality across continents would also be considerations. In summary, the idea of taking the 'Dastak' theatre festival across various continents holds great potential for enriching global cultural dialogue. While no concrete plans have been announced, the vision of expanding its reach is a reflection of the festival's ambition to transcend borders and celebrate the universality of theatre."
We have noticed that all the shows at Dastak since it’s inception got a whopping response. What made Dastak successful?
We at Dastak as a production house have been increasingly involved in promoting local talent, community engagement and outreach programs. This helps to make theatre more accessible to a wider audience and contributes to building a stronger arts ecosystem.
Dastak has produced and presented over 50 plays across genres since it was launched. How did this magic happen?
The remarkable journey of our theatre production company, which has successfully presented over 50 plays across diverse genres since its inception, is a testament to the collective passion, dedication, and creativity of our team.
At the heart of our success lies a deep commitment to storytelling. Each play we produce is meticulously chosen to offer audiences a unique and thought-provoking experience. We believe in the power of narrative to connect, inspire, and provoke discussions about the world around us.
From day one, our leadership has set a clear vision for our company—to produce exceptional theatre that resonates with audiences from all walks of life. This guiding vision has inspired our team to continuously push boundaries and explore new horizons.
Our commitment to nurturing local talent has been instrumental. We provide a platform for emerging playwrights, directors, actors, and designers to collaborate and contribute their unique voices to our productions. Our range of genres, from classic dramas to contemporary comedies and experimental pieces, ensures that we cater to a wide spectrum of audience preferences. This diversity has allowed us to engage different demographics and build a loyal following.
I strongly feel collaboration is at the core of our creative process. Our team collaborates closely with each other, drawing from diverse perspectives to bring each production to life. This synergy enhances the quality of our work and fosters a dynamic and vibrant artistic community.
This success is not possible with our lovely audience. We actively seek feedback from our audiences and use it to refine our productions. This iterative approach ensures that our plays evolve and remain relevant to our ever-changing society. Staying attuned to cultural shifts and societal changes, we adapt our storytelling to reflect current issues and concerns. This relevancy has helped our plays strike a chord with audiences and initiate meaningful discussions.
Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our productions, from meticulous set designs and captivating costumes to innovative use of technology. Attention to detail enhances the overall theatrical experience for our audiences.
While honouring tradition, we're not afraid to take creative risks. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries has led to productions that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
The "magic" of our success is, in truth, the result of hard work, artistic integrity, and a genuine love for theatre. By fostering a nurturing environment, embracing diversity, and continuously striving for excellence, our theatre production company has achieved the remarkable feat of presenting over 50 plays across genres, enriching the cultural fabric of our community in the process.
What is the message that you wish to give the young artist and next generation about theatre?
I want to share with you the immense joy and fulfilment that comes from immersing yourself in the world of arts and theatre. You are embarking on a journey that holds the power to transform lives, challenge perceptions, and connect hearts. As you step onto this stage, remember a few essential truths that have guided me and countless others who have walked this path before you. So, young artists, go forth with passion, curiosity, and a fearless spirit. Your dedication to the arts is a gift to the world, and your contributions will enrich the cultural tapestry of our society. Embrace the challenges, Savor the triumphs, and continue to inspire us all with your artistic endeavours.
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