Live artistes adapt to changes, continue to entertain audiences

With theatre artistes unable to meet due to social distancing, theatre companies continue their productions by using malleable scripts and shooting videos from home. “We have family members of theatre artistes filming the actors and we are using scripts where only one actor speaks at a time with no physical interaction. Each dialogue is numbered and I give the actors specific directions so that it flows smoothly despite being shot in separate areas,” said Dharini Komal, founder of Komal Theatre, which is producing weekly short performances under their Quarantine Series on YouTube.

Many are also using the formats of online video sharing applications to foster their art forms, as is the case of the improv comedy group Half Boiled Inc. The improv group has been hosting online ticketed shows, proceeds for which go towards providing relief for vulnerable communities.

“We are trying to develop the format where we use the normal video interface as a part of the performance. We also keep the chat box open and ask the audience to interact with us in real-time. It’s very different and exciting. We are trying to recreate a live performance through these apps,” said Bhargav Ramakrishna.

Stand-up comedy, too, has taken to using the online video format for their live shows and open mics. “In stand-up, we need to hear the audience’s reaction to our jokes. We need a moderator to ensure all the videos and mics of all the audiences are on so that we have their feedback. When we ticket shows, we need to make sure only one person is watching and not a whole family. As a performer, it took me a few days to get used to this format, and now I’m very comfortable with it,” said stand-up comedian Vikash Paul.

However, the shutdown has affected the future of what live performances will be, feel a few performers. “I see that from here on, we might have 70 per cent live performances, and 30 per cent online performances, because the audience really finds online shows more convenient. We, too, don’t have venue costs. So, it might see a return,” said Paul.

However, some feel that online cannot replace live performance. “Theatre is a live performance. It is performers practising for hours and then doing it live before an audience. I don’t think the traditional format will change too much after the shutdown, but online plays are also being well-received,” said Komal.