Theatre personality and founder of Arena Theatre Productions, Tahera S, believes that lengthy plays continue to resonate deeply with audiences, even in an era characterized by shortened attention spans and the prevalence of streaming entertainment. She has directed stage adaptations of classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Taramandal, and The Seagull — all text-heavy productions that successfully found their audience.
Latest Production: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Her latest production is a stage adaptation by Ursula Rani Sarma of A Thousand Splendid Suns, which runs for two-and-a-half hours and features an ensemble cast of 30 members. Tahera emphasizes, “I don’t want the audience to rush through a play, but immerse themselves in a journey.” This philosophy underscores her approach to theatre, where the experience is meant to be absorbing rather than hurried.
Emotionally Heavy Narratives with Hope
Tahera is often drawn to emotionally heavy narratives filled with pain and grief, but she believes those elements are only one part of the story. “Most of the plays carry themes of faith and hope. Despite adversity, there is always hope — that’s the takeaway. The plays end on a positive note,” she explains. This balance between darkness and light is central to her work, ensuring that audiences leave with a sense of upliftment.
Editing for Audience Engagement
She also discusses her process of editing and adapting scripts to sustain audience engagement. “I like to keep the script crisp. It shouldn’t feel repetitive or caricaturish because maintaining the audience’s attention is important,” she shares. By refining the text, she ensures that every moment on stage serves a purpose, keeping viewers invested in the narrative.
Theatre as Mirror and Catharsis
According to Tahera, theatre acts as both a mirror to society and a cathartic experience for everyone involved. “I stage plays adapted from novels that people have already read and relate to. There’s something special about watching that story unfold live on stage before their eyes,” she says. This connection between the familiar written word and its live interpretation creates a unique and powerful form of storytelling that continues to thrive despite modern distractions.
