Caught between the stage and screen

But in a world of multiplexes, film stars and digital effects, one wonders whether this interest in theatre can actually be sustained. With movies being promoted and hyped far beyond their actual content, there’s little room left for theatre to grab attention. Metrolife spoke to a few Bangaloreans to find out which of the media they prefer, and why.

Ruchika, a business management student, says despite the fact that she appreciates theatre, movies will always be her favourite way to beat stress. “I think it has a lot to do with the ambience of a movie, which is totally different from the one that you get when you go to see a play. Plays are generally quite serious, when compared to movies,” she says.

Another reason why she prefers going for movies is because they generate a certain sense of excitement which she claims she rarely finds with plays. “The way movies are publicised these days, there’s a lot of excitement attached to them. People generally make plans to get together and go for a movie — never a play,” she explains, adding, “I know that if I’m going for a movie with my friends, we can scream and shout and have a good time. You can’t do that in a theatre environment. It’s okay once in a while, but movies are always enjoyable.”

Balraj, a content-writer, feels that both the media are entertaining in their own ways. “Movies tend to entertain the larger population. People go for them because of their content, story-line and technology,” he says. He feels that theatre offers more of a connection between the performers and the audience.

“It’s more interactive. In a play, an actor has to get his performance right on the spot — he doesn’t have the advantage of technology, like film stars do. I think the audience understands this, and it creates a connection with them,” he explains. Aparajita, a law student, says that while she does enjoy a few select plays, movies generally promise more entertainment.

“It’s not that I don’t enjoy plays. But I am a bit selective about them, it depends entirely on the story. But with movies, you’re promised a full package: you get the story, the effects, the sound etc,” she concludes, adding, “I think pretty much everyone I know would prefer watching a movie to a play.”