Shows sans script

Experimentation and innovation are essential for any art form to survive. And such changes are  most evident in theatre.

Plays are now being conducted in proscenium spaces, refreshing plots are emerging and productions are being taken to corporate organisations.

Today,  theatre professionals are dishing out fresh from the oven an interesting concept called ‘improv theatre’ and the City is relishing it wholeheartedly.

A modern American concept that has recently caught the attention of the theatre-fawning audience in Bengaluru, improv theatre is one where no part of the show is prepared. The script is based on the improvisation of a situation given by the audience and many times, the audience turn actors too.

Bengalureans are digging into this form of theatre thanks to the fun games, the unique sets, their share of  spotlight and the hilarious memories it offers. The sub-categories under improv, such as ‘pure theatre’, ‘playback theatre’ and ‘social theatre’, are the other attractive factors.

Most of the rehearsals are about the improviser’s assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of his fellow actors and trying to better the chemistry between them. Directors point out that actors have to have a high level of focus, presence of mind, creativity and spontaneity. This, apart from the ability to collaborate, listen to the audience and understand current issues, makes a good ‘improv’ actor. Madhu, a graduate from the NSD, says that she finds a growing appreciation for ‘improv’ theatre in the City.

“The skills and craft of the improvisers and the art form have picked up. I find this form getting more space in corporate organisations because people have come to understand that ‘improv’ is a way of life. It teaches one to adapt and be reflective of the radically changing environment. Through ‘improv’ theatre, corporates understand the need to be comfortable with any situation that is thrown upon them and take the plunge. Bengaluru being the IT capital, there is definitely a recognition for ‘improv’ and it is sure to grow.”

 ‘Improv’ dispels one of the biggest myths in theatre — the requirement of a script. Abhishek, from ‘WeMoveTheatre’, explains, “Imagine actors forgetting their lines in a scripted show. The only way that the show can go on and they can save their face is improvisation. Many theatre schools have improv as part of their syllabus.”

Ranji David, the founder of ‘Organizational Theatre’ and Yours Truly Theatre, looks at improv as a nuanced concept. “There are a number of styles that improvisers have to understand before going on stage. The actors have to be very sensitive and can’t make a fool of the situations.” However, Abhishek adds that there are certain rules that improvisers follow such as avoiding negation, waiting and acting, listening and talking and staying at the centre of the stage. “Some amount of training or skills are required to be an improviser since it is not the success of one person but a team. People also understand that there is no concept of ‘messing up on stage’ or ‘making mistakes’ as none of the actors know what the other one is trying to do. If there is some commotion, improvisers are smart enough to build on the ‘mistake’ as an act.”

Far away from the realm of epic theatre, ‘improv’ calls the audience on stage. Ranji says, “We will only see more ‘improv’ groups coming up. The theatre scene is bustling. There are about 70 to 90 plays in a month, so there is definitely an audience for theatre and especially, ‘improv’.” Madhu adds, “It’s a way of life. It has taught me not to be afraid of failure, take the plunge, trust my fellow actors and say yes to any situation. The lessons it teaches will make it an art for many.”