Playwright KV Akshara Warns of Crisis as Audiences Become Mere Consumers

Playwright KV Akshara Warns of Crisis as Audiences Become Mere Consumers

In a thought-provoking address in Dharwad, celebrated playwright, theatre director, and thinker KV Akshara identified a profound challenge facing the contemporary world of art and literature. He asserted that the transformation of audiences from sensitive, engaged spectators into mere consumers has emerged as one of the most significant crises confronting creative fields today.

Award Ceremony and Special Lecture

Akshara made these remarks after presenting the prestigious KV Akshara Award to playwright Shirish Joshi. Joshi received the honor for his play Kanthehara, which secured the Shantaranga Best Play Award for the 2025–26 period. This award is instituted by the Sakkari Balacharya (Shantakavi) Trust. Following the presentation, Akshara delivered a special lecture titled The Crisis of the Sensitive Audience, delving deep into the issue.

The Shift from Engagement to Consumption

Elaborating on his central thesis, Akshara observed that the current cultural landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift. The traditional audience, once characterized by deep emotional and intellectual engagement with artistic works, is gradually evolving into passive consumers of cultural products. This fundamental change, he argued, has precipitated a crisis that demands serious reflection from both creators of art and literature and those who receive and appreciate them.

"The relationship between poet, poetry, and the connoisseur forms a crucial triad," Akshara explained, referring to theatre and literature collectively. "The success of any creative work hinges on this meaningful interaction between the creator and an appreciative audience. Only through such a symbiotic relationship can artistic expression achieve its true purpose, depth, and resonance."

Historical and Global Context of Audience Engagement

Speaking within the context of contemporary performing arts, Akshara noted that the issue of audience engagement is not new; it has been a subject of extensive discussion in global discourse on theatre and aesthetics. He emphasized that Indian aesthetic traditions have also examined this dynamic relationship with great depth and nuance.

He specifically pointed to classical works such as Bharata's Natyashastra and the writings on poetics by Rajasekhara. These foundational texts, Akshara highlighted, elaborate in detail on the vital role and expected response of the audience within the complete artistic experience, underscoring the historical importance placed on audience sensitivity.

Event Proceedings and Award Recognition

The event commenced with introductory remarks delivered by Shashidhar Narendra, setting the stage for the proceedings. Writer Prajna Mattihalli, who served as one of the judges for the competition, shared her observations and insights on the award-winning play Kanthehara.

Aravind Kulkarni, a dedicated member of the Shantakavi Trust, announced consolation prizes for two other plays that had participated in the competitive festival, acknowledging their merit and contribution.

Upon accepting the KV Akshara Award, playwright Shirish Joshi expressed his gratitude and spoke about the significant contributions of Shantakavi. He also discussed the central themes and the intricate creative process that shaped his acclaimed play, Kanthehara.

The ceremony was presided over by Sakkari Baburao Baburao, bringing the event to a formal close. The gathering served as a poignant platform for highlighting both artistic achievement and the critical discourse surrounding the evolving relationship between art and its public.