Mysuru Science Theatre Festival Bridges Art and Science in Unique Format

The Mysuru Science Theatre Festival (MSTF) in Karnataka is making waves by blending the realms of science and theatre. Established in 2017, the festival, organized by a coalition of cultural and theatre platforms, has been showcasing the intersection of art and scientific inquiry for the past eight years. This year, it received sponsorship from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

The initiative was spearheaded by Shashidhara Dongre of Kala Suruchi, SR Ramesh of Parivartana, MC Manohar of Arivu Ranga, and Kollegala Sharma of Kutoohali. Their goal is to present complex scientific concepts in an accessible, dramatised format. Initially, the festival featured translated English plays, but it has since evolved to produce original Kannada plays that resonate with local audiences.

Over its seven editions, MSTF has showcased more than 25 plays, drawing attention from esteemed institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Central Food Technological Institute (CFTRI), and the Indian Institute of Science.

Exploring Science through Theatre

This year’s festival presented four notable plays, each tackling different scientific narratives. “The Trial of Abdus Salam,” written and directed by Nilanjan Choudhary, explores the life of Abdus Salam, Pakistan’s Nobel Prize-winning physicist. The play begins with Salam’s request for burial next to his parents, leading into a courtroom drama that highlights the challenges he faced in a conservative society. The production utilized multimedia elements to depict significant events in Pakistan’s political history that shaped Salam’s life.

Another featured play, “Hasivu,” portrays the tragic story of Russian botanist Nikolai Vavilov, who perished from hunger despite his dream of ensuring food accessibility for all. The narrative captures Vavilov’s adventures around the globe collecting seeds for a seed bank, though some dialogue-heavy scenes could have benefited from tighter presentation.

“Raman: Belaku, Shabda, Sidilu” focuses on the personal and professional life of renowned physicist CV Raman. The play begins with a conversation between Raman and his wife, offering a glimpse into his brilliance, musical passion, and complex personality.

The fourth play, “Moorane Kiwi,” addresses the struggles of a family with a deaf son. It intelligently weaves in scientific concepts related to hearing, showcasing the dedication required from parents during the correction process. While the narrative was compelling, certain sections felt prolonged and would have benefitted from tighter editing.

Fostering Public Engagement with Science

The MSTF serves as a platform for increasing public engagement with science through the arts. Ramagovinda Ranga Mandira, the festival’s venue, not only features theatrical performances but also hosts exhibitions showcasing mathematical toys, literature, and posters celebrating Indian women scientists. Attendees can even observe sunspots through a telescope on-site.

The festival’s innovative approach demonstrates how theatre can illuminate scientific themes, making them relatable and engaging for the audience. By dramatizing the lives of scientists and their contributions, MSTF plays a crucial role in enhancing the public’s understanding of the significance of science in society.

As the festival continues to grow, updates and information about future events are available through social media platforms, ensuring that more audiences can experience the unique blend of science and theatre in Mysuru.