”Keep your eyes and mind open.”

– Moumita Bhattacharya

Keywords

theater, directing, choreography, Seattle theater, Moumita Bhattacharya, audience interpretation, artistic influences, House of Joy, casting, storytelling

Summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Moumita Bhattacharya, a prominent theater director and choreographer in Seattle. They discuss her journey from Indian classical dance to theater, her experiences in the Seattle theater scene, and the artistic influences that shape her work. Moumita shares insights on audience interpretation, the challenges of choreography, and the intricacies of casting characters. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring directors, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• Moumita's journey into theater began with Indian classical dance.
• Abhinaya, the act of emoting, is integral to storytelling in dance.
• The Seattle theater community is receptive to diverse stories.
• Artistic influences come from various sources, including cinema and dance.
• Audience reactions can differ greatly from the director's expectations.
• Choreographing movement in a play without explicit direction is challenging.
• Casting requires understanding the essence of each character.
• Performers should embody their characters rather than just play them.
• Aspiring directors should watch many shows to learn and absorb.
• Telling relevant stories is crucial for connecting with audiences.