Art of the Possible (AOTP) is a development program launched by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, for technicians, designers, managers, and the entire workforce that makes magic happen backstage. It’s a free, community-driven resource for professionals in the performing arts and live events industry.
For the very first episode of the AOTP Podcast, the team sat down with Vivek Madan, an actor, producer, curator, and founder-director of Bhasha Centre. With over 25 years of experience, Vivek has worn many hats in the theatre world and now also calls himself a fledgling theatre educator. His focus lies in finding long-term, sustainable solutions to the problems and gaps that exist in India’s theatre and arts ecosystem.
Access: The Core Challenge
When asked about the biggest issues facing the theatre sector, Vivek was clear: access.
“Access to information, access to people, access to spaces, access to art itself, access to inspiration,” he explained. While funding is an evergreen challenge, Vivek highlighted the deeper structural issue, how productions in one city rarely travel to others. A show in Mumbai seldom goes to Kolkata, and a production in Kolkata rarely reaches beyond its city. This lack of interconnectivity keeps theatre fragmented.
Networks, Learning Platforms, and AOTP
Reflecting on AOTP and similar initiatives, Vivek admitted that such networks have always existed in some form.
“These efforts have been there since I started 26 years ago,” he noted. “Back then, I might not have joined one, I was a rebel, not keen on structure. Even today, I may not personally recommend such a structure for everyone. But I think it’s important that these platforms exist because many people do benefit.”
For him, maturity means recognizing that just because he may not need a framework does not mean others should not have access to one. “Many forms of encouragement, support, and training should exist,” he said, emphasizing the need for open-access models like AOTP’s website.
The Role of Data
On the topic of data-driven studies in arts policy, Vivek was cautious.
“Data is only as useful as how it’s applied,” he said. “Its value depends on who’s reading it, who’s in charge, and who controls the purse strings. But yes, data does carry weight when making a case for policy change. Having data is great, but it’s a long road ahead.”
Libraries, Scripts, and Multiplicity
Vivek also runs the Drama Library, a repository of unpublished scripts. While it operates as an independent, bootstrapped project, it has shown him both the possibilities and limitations of such efforts.
“There should be like 20 drama libraries in this country, not just one,” he argued. “The more libraries we have, the more reading becomes a habit. Similarly, there should be six AOTPs, because one network is not enough for a country as diverse as India.”
Competition, he believes, is healthy. It spurs collective learning. His concern, however, is the danger of myopic visions when projects don’t open themselves up to collaboration. That’s where AOTP stands stronger: it already brings together multiple stalwarts, David, Rashmi, Brian, who are all accomplished and committed to its growth.
Collaboration: Need vs. Transaction
When asked about the role of collaboration among organizations like the Bhasha Centre, QTP, or NCPA, Vivek was pragmatic.
“We collaborate when we need to. If collaboration happens because we feel compelled, it becomes a transaction, not true collaboration. For me, it’s simple, if I need something, I’ll call you. We don’t owe each other constant communication. It’s not a marriage. Collaboration should be organic.”
What Students Need Today
For students entering the arts ecosystem, Vivek’s advice was direct: they need work, and options of work.
“Most students feel compelled to take whatever comes their way because there may not be anything next week. That’s a shame. If they have two or three options, they at least have some agency in choosing.”
He stressed the importance of both agency and alignment: the ability to decide, but also the patience to align with an existing organization’s values, even if only partially. “If there’s a 70 percent match, stick with it, learn, take what you can, and then move on.”
What He Looks for in Teams
As someone who leads and hires, Vivek values managers who understand information flow.
“In my view, management is about communication. It’s about knowing what information needs to go where, when, and to whom. That’s the whole point.”
This is why he’s particularly looking forward to meeting managers through AOTP. “People who know how to handle that modality are invaluable.”
Looking Ahead
Vivek remains cautiously optimistic about the future of projects like AOTP.
“This is a great start. I hope and pray that the people who really need this platform can access it, not what we think they need, but what they actually need.”
For him, the strength of AOTP lies in its collaborative foundation and its potential to democratize access to resources in the performing arts.
If you found this conversation inspiring, you can also listen to the full podcast episode with Vivek Madan, here. Subscribe, rate, and share the AOTP Podcast!
Art of the Possible is supported by the British Council and Godrej Agrovet.
