Pune’s independent theater fosters conversations through transformative theatrical experiences

The stage is minimalist but vibrant, decorated with a tall tree and a moonlit forest depicted in the background. Dim blue and silver lights spread across the set, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Betal, the ghost, with flowing white hair and black eyes, hangs from a tree. His eerie but playful laughter echoes throughout the hall, attracting the attention of every child in the audience.

King Vikramaditya, dressed in warrior attire, strides confidently onto the stage with a jeweled crown and sword. When the actor addresses the ghost, his deep voice becomes louder and he displays a sense of determination: “Betaal, I have come to fulfill my promise. Tell me your riddle, but be careful – this time, you will not deceive me!

Betal begins to narrate his story, gesturing dramatically as he weaves the tale. His animated expressions and changing intonations draw the audience into the story. At a crucial juncture, Betal stops and turns to the audience: “What do you think, children? Whose sacrifice is greater between King Rupsen and Veervar? Or is there a deeper lesson to be learned here?”

The spotlight turns on the audience as cheering hands go up. Children eagerly share their views, debating the moral of the story.

This is how the recent Vizag Junior Literary Fest concluded in Visakhapatnam, with Pune-based theater group Swatantra Theater showcasing participatory theater – an approach in which actors interact with the public based on a real problem.

The theater group is weaving magic by sticking to traditional narratives while exploring new ways to attract audiences. “The live interaction inherent in theater creates a deeper connection between artists and audiences, evoking emotions and fostering conversations that digital mediums often fail to achieve,” says Dhanashree Heblikar, one of the founders.

Established in Pune in 2006, Swatantra Theater has directed and produced several plays based on the themes of national unity and humanity. Founded by Abhijeet Choudhary, Yuvraj Shah and Dhanashree, the theater group strives to foster a connection between theater and society while nurturing promising talents and helping the new generation connect with the magic of the stage.

recreating the classics

Members of the Independent Theater Group performing stories from Panchatantra on the inaugural day of Vizag Junior Literary Fest at Hawa Mahal in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak

One of the outstanding productions of independent theater this year is the re-telecast of Badal Sarkar’s iconic play ‘Spartacus’. The group reimagines this timeless classic through a contemporary lens, exploring themes of freedom, rebellion, and justice. “This iconic play was performed on the occasion of Hindi Diwas this year. It was equally a transformative experience for us where we learned about the techniques of the third theater which was introduced by Badal Sarkar in the 1960s where the actor is a tool that seeks to highlight the process by which oppression occurs. ,” says Dhanashree.

Known for its minimalist set design and soulful acting style, the independent theater aims to re-present the powerful narrative of Sarkar to a modern audience, while ensuring the relevance of the play in today’s socio-political scenario.

Last year, the group recreated RK Narayan’s beloved stories Malgudi Days At Vizag Junior Theater Fest.

A scene from the independent theatre’s play Malgudi Days. , Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak

For the first time, Swatantra Theater has launched a unique initiative to introduce UPSC passouts to theatre. Recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence in administrative roles, theater has been included as a module in the IAS training program for the first time. The independent theater group will organize a training session for young bureaucrats in December. The session includes workshops on basic introduction to theatre, voice modulation, body language and improvisation, culminating in a performance of the satirical play ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’. Dhanashree says, “This comedy production, focusing on the inefficiencies of bureaucracy, is a light-hearted critique on the bureaucratic process while showcasing the creative potential of theater as a tool for personal and professional growth.”

Dhanashree Heblikar of Independent Theatre. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Dhanashree also highlighted how theater has expanded its reach through modern platforms, workshops and collaborations, making it accessible to diverse audiences, including the youth. By collaborating with schools and institutes like IITs, the group has introduced art as a powerful tool to enhance emotional intelligence and promote teamwork.

Theater can be a therapeutic medium for neurodivergent children. Dhanashree remembers an experience with a six-year-old borderline autistic child who regularly came to her theater workshop. “Over time, we saw him express himself in ways his parents had never experienced before. On the day of the play, we had a backup person to play his character; But he surprised us with the confidence with which he performed. This is because he understood the importance of his character and without his character the play would not have been complete. It was great to see how the child developed beautifully through teamwork,” recalls Dhanashree.

theater with a purpose

For independent theatre, staying connected to cultural roots while innovating for contemporary audiences isn’t just an artistic endeavor – it’s a mission. “We organize three big festivals for adults and two big festivals for children every year. We are also doing street theater in the marathon to popularize this medium,” says Dhanashree. This year, the group has also forayed into the corporate theater sector in collaboration with the Tata Group. “At its core, corporate theater emphasizes ethics, recognizing the importance of integrity, accountability and empathy in creating a harmonious and productive work culture. The first workshop was held in Pune in November this year,” she adds.

Whether recreating the revolutionary spirit of Spartacus, empowering civil servants with theatrical tools, or engaging children in timeless stories, the group exemplifies the transformative power of theatre. Dhanashree adds, “Theatre is not just about performance; It’s about building connections, fostering empathy and driving change.”