In this new age of stay at home entertainment, virtual performances have become the norm.
Technically, a virtual performance is any performance / lecture / presentation where the
presenter is not present at your location. As we adjust to the ‘Quarantine’ ways of life, we know
that the dance events and gatherings will not be a possibility for the foreseeable future.
Observing this spectacle, what is the situation of artists during this lockdown period? To find an
answer to these rising queries, Ritopratim Chowdhury from ‘ Words’ went on for an interview
with Souvik Chakroborty, a kathak dancer (Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee, 2014).
“The lockdown has forced the art world to migrate online. Since lockdown, the concerts or the
shows are happening online in different social media. It’s a good thing for the viewers but not for
the artists. Viewers can watch it whenever they want and however they want. I did 6 to 7 concerts
in last 3 months and most of them were free of cost. When these concerts happened to be on
stage, we were paid but now we are not getting paid, not even a penny. Still, we can’t stop doing
these concerts, it’s the only way to keep in touch with your art.” He further added, “It is very easy
to perform on a stage. On a virtual platform, you cannot concentrate on your performance
completely as you have to keep in mind all the technical things too like the camera, the frame,
the light, the angle, and most importantly a good internet connection. The performing space
matters a lot in this case which is itself a major drawback as most of the artists fail to manage a
perfect space to perform and shoot.” He further added, “Now-a-days, things are becoming very
commercial. The richness and the essence of Indian classical music and dance are missing.”, he
exclaimed with grief.
The lockdown has robbed artists of their canvas and stage. As the cultural events have been put
on hold due to this lockdown, artists who are dependent on their art for survival, are facing acute
hardships these days.
