Q & A with Rajat Kapoor | Past and present

Q. What is the inspiration behind your latest play, The Thing with Feathers?

I wanted to do something set in the first 50 years of the 20th century. The play developed during research and improvisation, which has been my process for the last 30 years. I don’t start with a script—I have an idea and an image. The actors do something with it, and then we build on it.

Q. How is the story relevant in today’s day and age?

Any period of history is relevant to the present time. These 50 years are very similar to the present times, because of the technological advances that happened in the early 20th century. And the kind of leap we saw at this time was insane, with the coming of electricity, automobiles, radio, telegram, X-rays and planes.

Q. How does theatre humanise history?

Any art form—a play, book or film—shows us the world we live in in a new light. A historical play can’t be about facts or numbers, because human stories are more powerful. When we see how something impacts a human being, then you really understand it.

Q. What are your thoughts on the current state of theatre in India?

In the last 10 years, there is a greater demand for good theatre. People, especially in big cities, have more disposable income to spend on plays, stand-up comedy and concerts.