Art has the profound ability to make us confront ourselves: Director Shubhrajyoti

"Just watching a play is not enough; it’s important for everyone to feel emotionally linked to the performance,” says director Shubhrajyoti Barat, who is bringing, an adaptation of Anthony Shaffer’s celebrated psychological thriller, produced by Aadyam Theatre, to Bengaluru. In a chat with , he delves into the unique ability of art to confront audiences, how theatre acting enriched his directing skills, and more.Excerpts:‘Audiences resonating with the play is rewarding for the director’The director explains art’s capacity for introspection and connection: "Art has a unique ability to confront us, to make us reflect on our moral compass, vices, and our inner selves. The aim of any production is to allow people to identify with the characters’ struggles and find something that resonates with their own lives. If they do, I think, as a director, I’ve achieved something meaningful.”‘Acting shaped my approach to directing’Having established himself as an actor in film and OTT projects like , and , Shubhrajyoti later turned his attention to theatre direction. He shares, “Acting has shaped my approach to directing. I know what it’s like to stand in front of a crowd, and I want to ensure every actor on stage feels empowered and seen. My acting experience in theatre has been invaluable. When you’re acting, you’re also aware of the design, the lights, and the set; you’re never just an actor. You understand the entire process, which gives depth to your work. Acting in theatre has made me a more well-rounded director.”‘Bengaluru is full of talented theatre artistes’Speaking about Bengaluru’s vibrant theatre scene, Shubhrajyoti, who has witnessed its evolution, says, “Bengaluru is a melting pot of talented young theatre artistes. Bright minds from academic fields, engineers, architects, and researchers are venturing into theatre, leaving secure jobs. They’re not here to impress but to express. The audiences, too, have evolved, enjoying plays in every language.”