World Theatre DayAhmedabad: At a recent performance of ‘Adbhoot’, the Gujarati adaptation of the acclaimed English one-act play ‘Every Brilliant Thing’, audiences at Scrapyard witnessed a form of theatre that breaks conventional boundaries. The protagonist interacted directly with spectators seated only a few feet away, walked into the audience, and encouraged them to participate using lines shared beforehand. The production demonstrated how intimate performance spaces can transform a play into a deeply immersive, collaborative experience. Kabir Thakore, founder of Scrapyard, says such closeness between performer and audience is not possible in traditional proscenium theatre. According to him, the rise of OTT platforms and short-form video culture has reshaped expectations. “Today’s audience wants an experience that stays with them long after they leave the venue. Smaller performance spaces help create that immediacy, where actors are within arm’s reach and storytelling becomes more experiential,” he says. As the world marks World Theatre Day on March 27 — an initiative introduced by Gujarati theatre stalwart C C Mehta — Ahmedabad’s theatre community reflects on how the past decade has reshaped both performance spaces (the hardware) and creative content (the software). Industry insiders note that, besides the new auditoriums, nearly 10 small performance venues have emerged across western parts of the city, offering more experimental platforms for artists. Vishal Shah, founder of Prayogshala near Ashram Road, believes that digital ticketing platforms and social media have democratized theatre. “The space often shapes the narrative. Many productions now prioritize actor-audience interaction over an elaborate stagecraft. Small venues also make performances affordable for emerging artists and attract new theatre enthusiasts,” he says. However, even as such spaces flourish, concerns remain about accessibility and affordability. Veteran actor-director Aditi Desai notes that high costs limit the use of these venues. “Rehearsals alone cost Rs 500-800 per hour and set-based productions shoot up to Rs 3,000. Not every production can manage this. It is essential for the state govt and patrons to support theatre and preserve its legacy. We are seeing exciting experiments, and it must not fade,” she says.
