Theatre in Bengaluru is evolving, embracing multiple languages and drawing diverse crowds. Gone are the days when Hindi theatre groups struggled to attract spectators.
Mathura Kalauny, playwright and founder of Kalyan Theatre—Bengaluru’s oldest Hindi theatre group established in 1988—has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “Earlier, we had to invite audiences to watch our plays. Now, thanks to the IT crowd, the audience has grown. However, younger viewers still lean towards reels and short-form content,” he observes.
Marking its 35th year, Kalyan Theatre presents Jo Peechhe Rah Jaate Hain (Those Who Are Left Behind), a collection of two poignant short plays.
The first, Saamaan, adapted from a story by Dr. Urmila Shirish, revolves around the family of Major Sandeep, a martyr of the Kargil War. While society honors his bravery, his loved ones grapple with grief and societal hypocrisy. Mathura, with 30 staged productions and 22 full-length plays to his credit, brings this emotional struggle to life.
The second, Janaksuta Urmila, delves into the untold anguish of Urmila, abandoned by her husband Lakshmana as he joins Ram and Sita in exile. Exploring her solitude, the play sheds light on her silent sacrifice. “I was always curious about Urmila’s story. This time, she perfectly fit our theme,” Mathura shares.
As theatre in Bengaluru grows more inclusive, productions like these ensure that unheard voices and forgotten narratives take center stage.