Name: How to Play in the 21st Century
Start: 2025-01-27T09:00:00+05:30
Location: The Cube, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

Shape your playwriting skills with Ramu Ramanathan, where ancient wisdom meets modern techniques to craft impactful stage narratives. Unlock the secrets of timeless storytelling with acclaimed playwright and poet Ramu Ramanathan in this immersive workshop on contemporary playwriting. ‘How to Play in the 21st Century’ draws inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Abhinavagupta, a scholar who lived over a thousand years ago, exploring timeless storytelling principles and their relevance in today’s world. Abhinavagupta identified three pillars of a great play — vastu (plot), neta (characterization), and rasa (the emotional impact on performance). But here’s the twist — he emphasised that what truly matters is itivritta, the unfolding narrative that gradually sustains the audience's curiosity and stimulates their imagination. Through a mix of discussions, practical exercises, and insights from Ramanathan’s celebrated works, such as ‘Cotton 56 Polyester 84’ and ‘Mahadevbhai’, participants will be guided in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. This workshop is not just about writing plays — it’s about understanding the essence of storytelling — how to reveal, infer, and captivate. Whether you're an aspiring playwright or simply curious about the craft, this session promises a rich exploration of writing for the stage.