A Stage to Film Story

 

Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Francis Ford Coppola, and Federico Fellini—legendary filmmakers who began their storytelling journeys in theatre—demonstrate how closely intertwined the worlds of stage and screen are. These two mediums have shared a dynamic connection, enriching each other over time. Closer to home, actors in India have often navigated both spaces, transitioning from the immersive realm of theatre to the complex demands of film sets. They move seamlessly from delivering powerful lines to a live audience to mastering the subtleties of close-up acting in front of the camera, where every facial expression is magnified.

Theatre directors, too, often transition to film, stepping into the director’s chair on movie sets. While both theatre and film may involve fictional storytelling, the two forms require distinct approaches. Filmmakers with a background in theatre often reflect on the advantages and challenges of balancing both disciplines, and the ways in which skills learned in acting schools serve them well in filmmaking. Theatre-trained directors emphasize the versatility of this interdisciplinary approach, noting that it adds both depth and complexity to their creative processes.

Cracking the Concept

When it comes to cracking the concept, there are commonalities between the two forms. Akarsh Khurana, a renowned theatre maker and founder of Akvarious Productions, who has also directed films like Karwaan and Rashmi Rocket, explains that while the initial concept remains the same, the approach changes during the writing phase. "In theatre, I can start rehearsals with some clarity and let the directorial process evolve. With film, there's much more pre-planning. Every scene has logistical considerations, from location to technical constraints, so more groundwork is required," says Khurana.

Chanakya Vyas, director of the short film Loo, which has gained recognition on the festival circuit, adds that a concept is merely an idea at its core, which is then shaped into a play, script, or even a novel. These insights from seasoned creators in acting colleges highlight how actors and directors alike benefit from training across both mediums. The acting workshops provide aspiring actors with the comprehensive acting training necessary to succeed on stage and screen. Through an acting academy, actors and directors sharpen their skills and develop a deeper understanding of performance, making them better equipped for both theatre and film.

This interconnectedness between the two art forms continues to inspire new generations of artists, as they seek opportunities in acting schools that offer robust training in both mediums. The blend of drama courses and acting training from these prestigious institutions ensures that aspiring actors are prepared to excel in both the theatre and film industries, laying the foundation for versatile and fulfilling careers.

Conceptual Alignment

Some concepts and themes naturally align with the cinematic medium, while others find their ideal expression in theatre. When selecting a theme for either, various elements come into play, including the subject matter, the desired artistic expression, and the unique strengths of each medium. There are creators with remarkably diverse portfolios in both film and theatre, and their success often lies in understanding how to best leverage the specific attributes of each form. Theatre and filmmaker Asmit Pathare, who has navigated both mediums, provides an insightful perspective on this distinction.

Pathare explains that his decision to write a particular play was driven by his passion for an ideology. "I have written one play. It follows a certain ideology I feel deeply about. The play in its form was limited by ideology. Theatre gives you an empty canvas, and that single empty stage becomes your conduit for different kinds of imaginations that gel perfectly with this ideological take," he says. His play, a metaphorical representation of Kashmir politics, exemplifies how theatre allows for symbolic storytelling. "I could do it without even mentioning Kashmir. It was a story that could only blossom in the realm of theatre. Films don’t have the space for that symbolic representation," Pathare adds.

For Pathare, realism is better suited to cinema, while theatre allows for more abstract and ideological storytelling. "Sometimes, your subject can inform your medium. The inherent expression of some themes works better on stage. For a raw representation of things as they are, cinema is better," he notes. His view reflects a broader trend among creators who tailor their projects based on the strengths of each medium.

Anamika Haksar, a distinguished theatre director who transitioned to filmmaking with her 2018 debut feature Ghode Ko Jalebi Khilane Le Ja Riya Hoon, found that her story set in Old Delhi required the visual layering that cinema provides. "Transplanting it to theatre would not have the same impact," she asserts. The film’s intricate visuals, which conveyed the complex urban life of Old Delhi, would not have been as effective on stage, reinforcing how certain stories demand the broader visual scope that film offers.

Theatre vs Film

Theatre and film, though connected, often inspire creators to approach them with vastly different methods. Abhishek Majumdar, a prominent playwright and director, exemplifies this divergence in approach. Known for his plays that feature extensive, verbose arguments driving the dramaturgy, Majumdar’s feature film The Water Station—based on Japanese playwright Ota Shogo's work—takes a starkly different route. Non-verbal and filmed in black and white, the movie reveals Majumdar’s desire to explore a different narrative language. "I knew if I ever directed a film, it would be non-verbal and black and white," he shares.

These examples highlight the nuanced choices that creators must make when selecting their medium. Themes that thrive on metaphorical or symbolic expression often find a natural home in theatre, where the empty stage can be transformed by imagination and suggestion. In contrast, cinema’s strength lies in its ability to portray realism, rich visual layers, and dynamic environments. The decision to place a story within theatre or film isn’t just about content but about how the medium allows that content to resonate with its audience.

Whether through acting schools or drama schools, the art of blending these two mediums is an essential part of an actor’s or director’s training. Acting workshops often emphasize this versatility, preparing students for the distinct demands of both theatre and film. Aspiring filmmakers and actors alike benefit from the extensive acting training offered by acting colleges, which prepare them for the complex and ever-evolving landscape of modern storytelling.

Training and Interdisciplinary Craft

By studying at drama schools, emerging talents are equipped with the tools they need to master both mediums. Acting courses provide a holistic approach, ensuring that future actors and filmmakers understand the unique possibilities and limitations of both theatre and cinema. Whether honing their skills in acting workshops or drama courses, these students are prepared to navigate the delicate balance between stage and screen, crafting stories that transcend one medium and thrive in another.