At a time when entertainment is increasingly shaped by short videos, streaming platforms and shrinking attention spans, theatre director Tahera S believes audiences are still willing to invest their time in powerful storytelling.
The founder of Arena Theatre Productions has built a reputation for staging adaptations of literary classics, including To Kill a Mockingbird, The Seagull and Taramandal. Her latest production, an adaptation of A Thousand Splendid Suns by playwright Ursula Rani Sarma, runs for nearly two-and-a-half hours and features a cast of 30 performers.
Storytelling beyond entertainment
Tahera believes theatre offers an immersive experience that cannot be replicated on screen.
“I don’t want the audience to rush through a play, but immerse themselves in a journey,” she says.
While many of her productions explore themes of grief, hardship and emotional struggle, she emphasises that hope remains at the heart of every story.
“Despite adversity, there is always hope. That’s the takeaway. The plays end on a positive note,” she explains.
Keeping audiences engaged
To ensure audiences remain connected throughout a performance, Tahera carefully edits and adapts scripts.
“I like to keep the script crisp. It shouldn’t feel repetitive or caricaturish because maintaining the audience’s attention is important,” she says.
According to her, successful theatre balances emotional depth with thoughtful pacing, allowing viewers to stay invested in the narrative.
Theatre as a mirror to society
Tahera views theatre as both a reflection of society and a deeply cathartic experience for audiences.
She notes that adaptations of well-known novels often resonate strongly because audiences already have an emotional connection with the story.
“There’s something special about watching that story unfold live on stage before their eyes,” she says.
As Bengaluru’s theatre scene continues to evolve, directors like Tahera remain committed to proving that meaningful, long-form storytelling still has a place in modern entertainment.