On a creative pursuit

Mona

In the New Year, Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh gets its new director in Chakresh Kumar. The 37-year-old actor/director has been living in the city since 2003. Being associated with performing arts, in 2005 he founded the theatre group, Alankar. Recipient of Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2014), he holds the distinction of performing for continuous 144 hours at Tagore Theatre. Happy to take on the new role, the director shares his vision for Tagore Theatre.

Creating the right environ

Though I have had my share of challenges, this city has welcomed me with open arms. Now, as the director of Tagore Theatre Society, I would like to ensure that artistes and the cultural organisations get the right kind of creative environment and creative opportunities. I realise, times are tough, but as our Prime Minster says ‘Aapda ko avasar mein badalane ka samaya hai (it’s time to turn challenges into opportunities).’

From UP to Chandigarh

I belong to village Bakhtiyarpur, Etawah, UP. Since my father joined the Army, I grew up in different towns across the country. I joined a college in Chandigarh and later pursued masters from The Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University. It was only after 2008 that I got recognition as a director.

Art is a celebration

I want to bring artistes from different fields and have them as a family here at Tagore Theatre. I have seen this family divided into various groups. I want Tagore Theatre to be the place where we all come together to help each other out. Art is a celebration, we must celebrate ourselves and others, which we can do by valuing and working with one another. Right now there are two challenges – first is to ensure that artistes continue with their work and are supported through this pandemic period. Second is to devise new ways of art to be connected to the masses. I have just joined; I am working on a plan, and also looking forward to have my senior artistes in varied fields to join forces for a better cultural scene.

I have an eclectic work experience. I have worked with slum children, special children; I have performed in festivals and in small towns and villages, workshops with teachers as well as people from MNCs. I want to bring these different sections of society together. Many people in Chandigarh want to be associated with Tagore Theatre, get better facilities. My effort would be to bring them all together.

For budding artistes

I was a very passionate and hard working theatre artiste to begin with. What I lacked was proper guidance. I would like Tagore Theatre to be the right platform so that budding artistes don’t go directionless but come on track right in time.

To make it buzzing

Yes, I have performed for continuous 144 hours here. I have seen and experienced both the old and new Tagore Theatre; the place is vibrant with energy of our amazing artistes – Neelam Mansingh, Kamal Tiwari, Dolly Ahluwalia, Atamjit and others from the National School of Drama.

My dream is that city artistes come here with open heart and I am willing to put their vision into reality.