Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Globally acclaimed theatre critic and member of the International Association of Theatre Critics Ravinder Kaul presented his paper at International Conference "Film, Video, Digital and Artificial Intelligence in Theatre Stages" which took place at Cluj-Napoca, Romania between October 10 and 12, 2025. The Conference was jointly organized by International Association of Theatre Critics, Doctoral School of the Faculty of Theatre and Film, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, in partnership with “Lucian Blaga” National Theatre of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. His research paper titled ‘Theatre in the Times of Technological Revolution’ was presented through Video Conferencing on the first day of the International Seminar.
Kaul was introduced by the organizers of the Conference as “Ravinder Kaul’s voice has resonated in national and international forums, from Europe Theatre Prize sessions in Italy, Poland, Russia, and Greece, to Cultural Summits in Abu Dhabi, China and Russia. As a theatre expert, he has penned influential papers for leading journals like ‘Critical Stages’ and acted in and directed over 30 plays. He is a member of the International Association of Theatre Critics. Honoured with multiple awards, Kaul continues to be a vital presence at global cultural platforms”.
In his research paper Kaul began by narrating his experience of watching, in April 2011, during the Europe Theatre Prize at St. Petersburg, two groundbreaking performances — Kafka's ‘Metamorphosis’ by Vesturport and ‘Mr. Vertigo’ directed by Kristian Smeds — which showcased how technology can transform the theatrical experience. These plays highlighted the potential of integrating innovative tools into a live performance. Today, theatre faces both opportunities and challenges with advancements like Artificial Intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, digital streaming and holography, he said.
While streaming archived productions like Laurence Olivier’s ‘Othello’ offers access to legendary performances, the irreplaceable magic of live theatre still holds strong appeal, he asserted. However, each technological innovation needs careful consideration; there is no universal solution. For example, while AI can assist in scripting or technical aspects, its overuse could dilute the emotional and human core of theatre. Similarly, excessive focus on spectacle risks undermining storytelling and performance quality, he added.
He concluded his presentation by asserting that theatre must treat technology as an evolving tool, not a threat. Theatre has always adapted—from floodlights to advanced lighting techniques, from rigid prosceniums to revolving stages. The priority should remain on preserving the human connection at the heart of theatre, ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, the magic of a live performance. Balancing both is the key to theatre's enduring relevance. Kaul’s Research paper was very well received by the theatre experts from across the globe and was followed by a lively question-answer session.
Other participants in the Seminar included theatre critics, theatre practitioners and experts from Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece, Theatre Research Institute of Europe, Luxembourg, Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland, Theatre Critics from Iran, Academy of Performing Arts, Prague, Czech Republic, Mariupol Theatre, Ukraine, University of Ankara, Turkey, IATC Madrid, Spain and Thalim/CNRS, Paris, France.
