Published Nov 13, 2023 | 4:00 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 13, 2023 | 4:03 PM
Lakshman K P has created a rich and important oeuvre of theatre work over the last decade. (Supplied)
Actor-writer-director, the late Shankar Nag is someone who is considered to be a true performance all-rounder. An award dedicated in his honour, The Shankar Nag Theatre Award is an integral part of the annual Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival. A national prize conferred to an all-rounder (under age of 40) in the theatre field, the award constitutes a citation and comes with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
As the curtains closed on the 19th edition of the Ranga Shankara Theatre fest, this year’s Shankar Nag Theatre Award has been given to actor-director Lakshman KP.
Sharing his happiness Lakshman says he is thankful to Ranga Shankara for choosing him for the award.
Deeply rooted in culture, Lakshman’s work speaks to the world at large. (Supplied)
He shares, “Theatre is a collective art. So this award belongs to the ecosystem that has been nurturing me in my theatre journey so far. Considering how my work is being celebrated, I am trying to reflect deeply on my concerns and curiosities as an artist at this point of time that would help me to shape the journey ahead.”
Lakshman KP has created a rich oeuvre of theatre work over the last decade.
Since graduating from Ninasam Theatre Institute in Heggodu, he went on to train at the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore. Since then, he has created a rich body of work as a writer, musician, actor and director.
Lakshman’s work is deeply rooted in the cultural and social world of his practice. They speak clearly and powerfully to the world at large.
“There have been lots of changes in the way I approach my work in the last 10 years, but majorly I would say that my work is becoming politically and aesthetically accurate. To be precise, I want it to become more and more Ambedkarite,” he tells South First.
Lakshman’s politics and performance go hand in hand to ask important questions from the society. It also looks deeply at the structural fault lines in the architecture of our accepted power equations.
As for what he is planning to work towards, Lakshman notes, “As I am becoming more and more aware of the time and space I live in, it’s clear that many people and stories have not given enough space on stage. That really bothers me. So this provocation influences my body of work in general.”
View this post on Instagram
For the aspiring theatre artists, he has one advice — constantly work on your craft.
“Being a true performer demands continuous engagement with your craft with rigor, sincerity and introspection. It’s also important to cultivate an awareness around you and within you. I feel that’s what stimulates an artist to find their expression,” he signs off.
