Suthradhara: a reimagination of the string holder of the Indian theatre through an American lens

India is one of the oldest countries in the world with rich and diverse cultural traditions and art forms. Like many Indian art forms, the theatre culture follows the oral traditions, and a lot of extraordinary works do not get documented. When an oral tradition is interrupted, it may lead to these art forms becoming extinct and performances being forgotten and lost to future generations.

One of my main objectives when I joined the MFA stage management program was to learn the skills that would help me bring more systematic approach to production documentation. My goal was to develop a process so that these amazing creative works, that are being produced in India could be honored. A stage manager helps with the overall facilitation of theatrical productions by creating documentation such as reports, daily schedules, blocking/movement notation, script changes etc. The type of detailed documentation that is created, maintained and updated throughout a production process by a stage manager will serve future productions. This work can be used for post-production analysis, recreation, and most importantly the ability to archive the production for the future generations.

Through this thesis, I will explore my thoughts and ideas on how I can support and uplift the small regional theatres in India by suggesting structural changes and other practices that I have found useful in American Theatre culture.