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‘Gandhari’ comes alive in the age of willful blindness

The Mythologyworkshop presents Gandhari – The Mother Who Chose Not To See, in the Etcetera Theatre, Camden NW1, London. In blending the mythic with the modern, ‘Echoes of Gandhari’ is a deep dive into the legacy of Gandhari- that formidable, melancholy matriarch of the Mahabharata. A Preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Choosing to blindfold herself in solidarity with her husband- the blind King Dhritirasthra- Ghandari makes a decision that, in time, will cost her everything. Along the way we are introduced to the lives of three contemporary women, now struggling with motherhood and womanhood, and the ways in which they too, have chosen to metaphorically blind themselves. Each scene, whether poetic or modern, will offer a direct parallel to some part of Gandhari’s story, in an attempt to ask, what is the relevance of that mother’s tragedy today?

The play is the product of the international theatre workshop, Performing Mythological Characters In Contemporary Theatre, conducted in London.

Director of the workshop and co-writer, Tom Edward Kane recently spoke about the workshop and the play. “The objective of this workshop is to give performers an opportunity to explore complex methodological characters from their cultures. In this edition we explore Gandhari, one of the major characters in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, who has not been explored much in contemporary literature, cinema or theatre performances. Perhaps, it is the only play where we explore her in depth and find her to be more relevant and alive in the age of willful blindness that we are living in.”

The play is co-written and performed by Vaishali Chakravarty, an actor and the founder of Joy Of Drama a drama-in-education organization based in India. She is approaching the performance from her real life experience as a teacher where she has to meet mother everyday. “It’s not easy to be a woman and more so, a mother. As a teacher, I have to interact with mothers everyday and some of them are living a life much like Gandhari. They wear blindfolds of various kinds and choose not to see things that lead to some of the most important issues we are facing today.”

The play is directed by the RADA graduate Katie Georgiou, who takes a contemporary view of Gandhari. “One way of looking at performing a mythological character is a grand and colorful costume drama, nothing wrong with that but I wanted to put her in the world we live in today. In which shape and form do we see her around us or inside us? In the process, we may be able to make the audience look inwards and think about the choices that we have made in our lives.”

‘Gandhari- The Mother Who Chose Not To See’ will have five performances between Sep 26-30, 2023, including a special post-show discussion with the cast and crew on 30 Sep 2023.

Biographies

Tom Edward Kane – Co-Writer & Workshop Director

Tom is an actor, writer and director from London and a graduate of RADA. His focus of creative research has been Indian Mythology and its complex characters. He has written and acted in several plays and short films. He is also a visiting faculty at RADA and an independent teacher.

Vaishali Chakravarty- Co-Writer & Actor

Vaishali is an actor and drama-in-education expert from New Delhi. She has trained and performed with the master Indian theatre practitioners Ima Sabitri Devi and Late Heisnam Kanhailal. She has performed in several productions with the Actor Factor Theatre Company. Her theatre credits include Anurag Kashyap’s Aakaar, Shashak Gupta’s The Leela Tapes, Munshi Premchand’s Kafan, Girish Karnad’s Bali and Sunit Sinha’s Khudgudi. Her performances have found special mentions in The Hindu, Indian Express and The Times of India.

Katie Georgiou – Director

Katie is an actor from Newcastle upon Tyne and a graduate of RADA (2008). Theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet (RSC), Heartbeat of El Salvador (Rise Theatre) Ms. (RADA Festival). Her directing credits include No Exit (Sartre) and Twelfth Night. She is thrilled to be directing this exciting re – imagining of the Gandhari story.

Shashwat Srivastava- Sound, Art And Communication Design

Shashwat is a music composer, actor, director, playwright and an advertising professional from New Delhi. His repertoire of work includes a number of theatre productions, feature films, documentaries, music albums and award winning advertising campaigns. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute Of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

About Mythologyworkshop Ltd

Mythologyworkshop is an organization founded by Tom Edward Kane to bring artists, scholars, performers and audiences together to explore the fascinating world of mythology, its stories and characters and how much these reflect upon our times. The company aims to organize workshops, shorts courses and produce plays and films on the subject.

About Joy Of Drama

Joy Of Drama is an organization dedicated to helping children and young adults develop intelligence and life skills through drama. Based in New Delhi, the organization conducts several long and short term programs and creates opportunities for young people to create theatre plays.

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Lite Blogs London News Theatre

Mahabharata: A spectacular retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic, by Canada’s Why Not Theatre at Barbican London

Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata is the first major international adaptation led by a company from the South Asian diaspora, UK premiere at the Barbican from 1-7 October 2023; preview by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Mahabharata (Mah-hah-BAH-ruh-tah) is a contemporary adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem, that follows a devastating family feud and explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas. Its stories are more than four thousand years old and foundational to Indian culture. The new, large-scale retelling by Toronto-based company Why Not Theatre is the first major international adaptation to be led by a company from the South Asian diaspora and makes its UK premiere at the Barbican Theatre this autumn (1 – 7 October). The world premiere was hailed by critics as “triumphant” (Toronto Star), “stunning” (Globe and Mail) and “Epic in every sense of the word.” (Intermission magazine) at The Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada in March 2023.

The stories collected in ‘The Mahabharata’ span thousands of years and over 100,000 verses –     almost four times as long as Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ & ‘The Iliad’ combined, and eight times as long as the Bible. To this day, favourite moments, characters and lessons are remembered and retold in the kitchens and temples of more than 1 billion people of India and its diaspora. These ancient stories continue to resonate powerfully today against a backdrop of territorial war, human rights violations, and climate change.

Almost 40 years since Peter Brook’s legendary production, Why Not Theatre’s adaptation takes audiences on a journey through the past in order to write a thrilling new future. Exploring the act of storytelling itself, the staging evolves from ancient and intimate – a storyteller around a fire and classical Kathakali dance – to a modern spectacle with projection, dynamic soundscapes, poetic stage design and a new opera for the most revered portion of ‘The Mahabharata’, the Bhagavad Gita. A live onstage band creates the atmospheric music score, featuring traditional instruments from the Bansuri (bamboo flute, often depicted as a favourite of the Hindu god Krishna) to the Tabla (percussion, an essential element in music and dance performance across the Indian subcontinent).

The production is presented in two parts and narrated by a storyteller (Miriam Fernandes), a charismatic guide who weaves a path through the forest of stories. Karma (Part 1), is the origin story of the rival Pandava and Kaurava clans, illuminating the choices we inherit and how those choices impact generations to come. In Dharma (Part 2), a great battle destroys the planet and the survivors are left behind to rebuild. 

Mahabharata is performed by a company from across four continents, all from the South Asian diaspora. Balancing East and West, traditional and contemporary, the production and ensemble     highlight the complex hybrid nature of cultures in today’s globalised world and interconnected lives. The cast includes UK based performers Ajay Chhabra (Rough Diamonds, Netflix), Neil D’Souza (How To Hold Your Breath, Royal Court), Darren Kuppan (Let The Right One In, Manchester Royal Exchange), Goldy Notay (Life of Pi, UK Tour) and Sakuntala Ramanee (Life of Pi, West End), who are joined by Canadian and other international performers Shawn Ahmed, Jay Emmanuel, Miriam Fernandes, Navtej Sandhu, Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu, Ellora Patnaik, Meher Pavri, Munish Sharmaand Sukania Venugopal, and understudies Varun Guru, Karthik Kadam, Suma Nair, Ronica Sajnani and Ishan Sandhu. Performing in the live band are John Gzowski (Conductor/Co-Composer/Co-Sound Designer/Guitar), Suba Sankaran (Band Leader/Co-Composer/Co-Sounder Designer/Vocals), Dylan Bell (Bass/Keyboard), Gurtej Singh Hunjan (Percussion), Hasheel Lodhia (Bansuri/Vocals) and Zaheer-Abbas Janmohamed (Tabla).

The cast of Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Associate Director, Co-Writer, Storyteller and Why Not Theatre Co-Artistic Director, Miriam Fernandes, said:

“We are a small strand among a great lineage of storytellers who have weaved this epic of ‘The Mahabharata’ over the ages. These stories have been passed from storyteller to audience for thousands of years and span the earth, traveling in the memories and imaginations of the South Asian diaspora. Though first composed in an ancient time, the themes of greed, revenge, ecocide and privilege feel acutely relevant in our globalized world.”

Director, Co-Writer and Why Not Theatre Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Ravi Jain, said:

“As a student in London, I watched the world masters dazzle audiences on the Barbican stage. 20 years later it’s a dream come true to share this complex work we’re so proud of at this truly special venue.”

Toni Racklin, Head of Theatre & Dance at the Barbican, said:

“We are thrilled to present this groundbreaking new production to our audiences, a masterclass in exhilarating stagecraft inspired by ancient oral traditions and poetry. We are honoured to welcome Why Not Theatre to our main stage for the first time, following their studio residency in 2019, and we hope that, for many of our audience members, Mahabharata will resonate with the stories that have been passed down for generations. Exploring the power of storytelling to understand where we’ve come from and to help us navigate our future, Mahabharata invites us to connect with perspectives from across the world and inspire us to reimagine what we can achieve together.”

The first sparks for the project started in 2015. Ravi Jain (Founding Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre) chose to adapt just one story (the Bhagavad Gita) within the sprawling Mahabharata for a commission by the intercontinental Pan Am Games. Backed by funding from Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario’s prestigious Shaw Festival Theatre then invited Ravi to ‘Dream Big’ and stage the entire epic poem. Having grown up with the Indian stories transplanted to a Canadian context, Ravi was inspired to dive deep into his past, taking inspiration from many South Asian sources as well as Peter Brook’s 1985 production. Ravi wanted to find a way to share this story with a modern audience by highlighting the myriad ways we tell stories. As part of Why Not Theatre’s deeply ingrained collaborative approach, Ravi teamed up with Miriam Fernandes (now Co-Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre). Together they built the script, drawing primarily from Carole Satyamurti’s ‘Mahabharata, A Modern Retelling’, Devdutt Patnaik’s ‘JAYA’, and the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, but also pulling from wildly diverse perspectives and combining influences,     including folk tales, street theatre, western European physical theatre (from their training at LAMDA and the Lecoq School and contemporary companies such as Simon McBurney’s Complicité and Ariane Mnouchkine’s Théâtre du Soleil), oral storytelling traditions, and the popular Indian staples they grew up with, such as Amar Chitra Katha’s Mahabharata comics and B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharata TV series.

Mahabharata is adapted by Why Not Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Ravi Jain and Co-Artistic Director Miriam Fernandes, using poetry from Carole Satyamurti’s ‘Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling’. The original concept was developed with Jenny Koons. Set design is by Lorenzo Savoini, costume design is by Gillian Gallow, lighting design is by Kevin Lamotte, projections are by Hana S. Kim, sound design is by John Gzowski and Suba Sankaran, original music is by John Gzowski andSuba Sankaran, with contributions from Dylan Bell, Gurtej Singh Hunjan, Zaheer-Abbas Janmohamed and Hasheel Lodhia (who also serves as traditional music consultant), and choreography is by Brandy Leary with contributions by Jay Emmanuel and Ellora Patnaik.     Lead Producers are Michelle Yagi and Kevin Matthew Wong, with Production Manager Crystal Lee. The production is directed by Ravi Jain and made its world premiere at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

Miriam Fernandes as the Storyteller, with Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna and Neil D’souza as Krishna, in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shas Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Why Not Theatre is an international theatre company based in Toronto, Canada, operating at the intersection of art, innovation and social change. Rooted in values of community and collaboration, Why Not challenges the status quo, rethinking how stories are told and who gets to tell them. Since its inception, the company has developed and produced 50+ new plays to critical and public acclaim. These works have toured to over 50 cities and garnered over 40 awards and nominations. Why Not is led by Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Ravi Jain, Executive Director, Karen Tisch, and Co-Artistic Director, Miriam Fernandes.   

Neil D’souza as Krishna and Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Supporters credits

A Why Not Theatre Production. Originally presented and commissioned by the Shaw Festival in association with the Barbican.

The Barbican presentation is generously supported by the Bagri Foundation.

Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna, Munish Sharma as Bhima, Shawn Ahmed as Yudhishthira and Sukania Venugopal as Bhishma with the cast of Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Why Not Theatre acknowledges the support of its Major Production Supporters: Shaw Festival, Canada Council for the Arts, National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, The Slaight Family Foundation, Kingfisher Foundation, Deb Barrett & Jim Leech, Lindy Green Family Foundation and Wuchien Michael Than Foundation.

L to R: Darren Kuppan as Duryodhana, Navtej Sandhu as Karna, Sakuntala Ramanee as Shakuni, Harmage Singh Kalirai as Dhritarashtra, Sukania Venugopal as Bhishma and Shawn Ahmed as Yudhishthira in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

About the Barbican

The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.

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Theatre

Theatre Festival comes back to cultural corridors of Delhi

Resonating with him, Pankaj Kapur adds, “I’m happy that such festivals are being held because it will enrich the Delhi audiences and will give us more opportunities to perform in front of people” …reports Asian Lite News

The fourth edition of India’s much anticipated theatre spectacular, the Delhi Theatre Festival, will soon return to the national capital’s cultural corridors after a three-year break. This year’s festival hopes to fully immerse theatre enthusiasts in the enchantment and grandeur of the performing arts by building on its prior accomplishments.

Delhi Theatre Festival 2023 will take place from August 4 to August 6 and span three incredible days. To provide a genuinely immersive theatrical experience, this year’s host venues include cutting-edge locations like Siri Fort Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, and OP Jindal Auditorium in New Delhi and the prestigious Orana Conventions in Gurugram.

With an impressive line-up comprising of 7 homegrown plays performed across three days, audiences can expect to be enthralled by critically acclaimed performances by eminent theatre luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Piyush Mishra, Lillete Dubey, Shekhar Suman, Vinay Pathak, Shabana Azmi, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Kanwaljit Singh. The line-up includes plays such as Ismat Apa Ke Naam, Dopehri, Vodka & No Tonic, Ballimaaraan, Ek Haan, Nothing Like Lear and Kaifi Aur Main

Prabhu Tony, COO and Co-Founder, Alchemist Live, envisions the Delhi Theatre Festival as a global platform for theatre enthusiasts. He shares, “The overwhelming response to the last three seasons has inspired us to create an even more diverse and engaging fourth season.  We are very proud to have established a platform where theatre will thrive and envision the annual ‘Delhi Theatre Festival’ to be the breeding ground for theatre in India. As we embark on a brand-new season, we plan to enthral our audience with iconic acts. Their presence is certain to elevate the theatrical offerings to unprecedented heights, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.  This endeavour reflects our commitment to expanding the horizons of theatre and fostering a vibrant community of creative talent”.

A longstanding patron of the festival, Naseeruddin Shah says, “It is our pleasure, Motley’s and mine to be at Delhi Theatre Festival for the fourth year in a row and it’s always wonderful to be a part of the festival because it spreads awareness about the various kinds of plays that are being done. Plus, the Delhi audience has always been very special for me because I learnt my craft here in the drama school in 1970. We hope that we will continue to be a part of the Delhi Theatre Festival.”

Resonating with him, Pankaj Kapur adds, “I’m happy that such festivals are being held because it will enrich the Delhi audiences and will give us more opportunities to perform in front of people”

Shekhar Suman whose play is showing in the region for the very first time says, “I am privileged to bring our play ‘Ek Haan’ that is based on the life of Saadat Hasan Manto, for the first time to the Delhi audience and especially at American Express presents Delhi Theatre Festival Season 4.”

The Delhi Theatre Festival 2023 is poised to be an extraordinary celebration of the performing arts, captivating audiences with its unrivalled theatrical prowess and awe-inspiring talent. Established as the pinnacle of theatrical destinations in India, the Delhi Theatre Festival has captivated the hearts of theatre aficionados with its’ exceptional repertoire of extraordinary performances and this season promises to be no exception. From thought-provoking dramas that explore the depths of the human experience to spellbinding musicals that ignite the senses, each production will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

ABOUT THE PLAYS

Ismat Apa Ke Naam – Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Hiba Shah

Enter the enchanting world of Ismat Chughtai, the trailblazing feminist and literary genius, through a captivating solo act. Naseeruddin Shah brings to life the compelling stories of Ismat Apa in three remarkable acts: ‘Gharwali,’ ‘Mughal Bachcha,’ and ‘Chhui Muee.’ Prepare to be enthralled as Shah takes you on a mesmerising journey through the powerful narratives of this literary icon.

Dopehri – Pankaj Kapur

Immerse yourself in the streets of Lucknow and step into the world of Amma Bi, an elderly woman on a transformative journey. Pankaj Kapur’s novella comes alive on stage, transporting you through the emotions, solitude, and self-discovery of a 65-year-old woman residing in a magnificent haveli. Prepare for a theatrical experience that combines lights, music, and the evocative storytelling of Kapur’s masterpiece.

Vodka & No Tonic – Lillete Dubey, Ira Dubey, Joy Sengupta

Step into the world of “Lockdown Liaisons,” a collection of captivating short stories penned by acclaimed writer Shobhaa De. Join Lillete Dubey on a compelling exploration of the fragility of human relationships within the confines of home. Through varying perspectives, this poignant play examines love, upheaval, and the transformations that emerged during the extraordinary times of the pandemic.

Ballimaaraan- Piyush Mishra

Embark on a musical journey paying tribute to the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib with Ballimaaraan, a band that blends genres and emotions. Inspired by the lanes of Delhi where Ghalib once resided, experience the fusion of retro and contemporary tunes. Piyush Mishra’s heartfelt lyrics bring an engaging conversation to life, creating a youthful and rebellious energy that resonates with audiences.

Ek Haan – Shekhar Suman, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi

Transport yourself to the post-Partition era of 1951 and delve into the life and writings of renowned writer Manto. Through the eyes of Kashmiri journalist Wazira, played by Shekhar Suman, explores the enigmatic relationship between Wazira and Manto. As their interactions unfold, Manto’s finest stories come alive on stage, shedding light on his life and his fierce feminism. Experience a powerful narrative that resonates with the present cultural and political climate.

Nothing Like Lear – Vinay Pathak

Vinay Pathak’s spellbinding performance in “Nothing Like Lear” offers a fresh and contemporary take on Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. Pathak’s impeccable portrayal of a man grappling with power, family, and personal demons promises a riveting experience that pushes the boundaries of theatrical storytelling.

Kaifi Aur Main – Shabana Azmi, Kanwaljit Singh, Jaswinder Singh

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary love story of renowned poet Kaifi Azmi and his wife Shaukat Kaifi. Let veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Kanwaljit Singh take you on an immersive journey through the life of Kaifi Azmi. Experience the heartfelt narration of his early years, courtship, and the magic of Bombay in the 1950s. Accompanied by soul-stirring performances by Jaswinder Singh and a live orchestra, this play reading celebrates the remarkable moments of Kaifi’s life and his lyrical legacy.

Tickets can be booked on BookMyShow.

ALSO READ-New Comedy Musical Mrs. Doubtfire at Shahftesbury Theatre, London

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New Comedy Musical Mrs. Doubtfire at Shahftesbury Theatre, London

The musical comedy MRS. DOUBTFIRE is here to save the day! Based on the beloved film, this big-hearted and hilarious new production is now set to dazzle and delight audiences at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre. A preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now.

Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.

Mrs. Doubtfire will introduce Gabriel Vick (Avenue Q) as Daniel Hillard. He will be joined by Laura Tebbutt (School of Rock) as Miranda Hillard, Carla Dixon-Hernandez (Matilda the Musical) as Lydia Hillard, Cameron Blakely (Newsies) as Frank Hillard, Marcus Collins (Kinky Boots) as Andre, Samuel Edwards (Anything Goes) as Stuart Dunmire, Ian Talbot OBE (Hairspray, and Director of The Mousetrap) as Mr. Jolly and Kelly Agbowu (Sylvia) as Wanda Sellner.

Further cast include Nicole CarlisleJoshua Dever, Joseph Dockree, Rebecca Donnelly, Amy EverettMaria Garrett, Kiera Haynes, Vicki Lee TaylorAdam Lyons, Lisa MathiesonCorey MitchellEllie Mitchell, Matt Overfield, Rhys Owen, Christopher Parkinson, Micha RichardsonTom Scanlon, Paulo Teixeira and Samuel Wilson-Freeman.

Mrs. Doubtfire also introduces Max Bispham, Elliot Mugume and Frankie Treadaway who alternate the role of Christopher Hillard and Scarlett Davies, Angelica-Pearl Scott and Ava Posniak who alternate the role of Natalie Hillard.

Mrs. Doubtfire has been created by a transatlantic team of award-winning artists, with Original Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, and a Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell (team behind the hit Tony Award-nominated musical Something Rotten!). Direction is by 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), Choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical). Scenic design is by David Korins (Hamilton), Costume Design by Catherine Zuber (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by Philip S. Rosenberg (Pretty Woman The Musical), Sound Design by Brian Ronan (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Hair Design by David Brian Brown (Frozen), Casting by Stuart Burt (Cabaret) and Children’s Casting Director is Verity Naughton.

Mrs. Doubtfire is produced by Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson and is presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical. 

Get ready for this family production; an adorable, large-hearted musical comedy!

MRS DOUBTFIRE – LISTINGS INFORMATION

SHAFTESBURY THEATRE

210 Shaftesbury Avenue

London

WC2H 8DP

Performances

Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm

Matinees Thursday & Saturday at 2:30pm

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The rebellion play brings more questions than answers

Written by a young Gujarat-based writer Chaitali Das, the play opens up with a conversation around masturbation and why it’s alright if women want to experience desire and pleasure. A reference to a vibrator in a play in Gujarat – is worth noting…reports Janhvi Sonaiya

While Gujarat was battling with one of the worst cyclones this week, there was another wave too – this one was of feminism.

At the experimental theatre space Prayogshala in Ahmedabad, a bunch of young girls could be seen in loose black clothes, without makeup, dancing to Bollywood songs on unchoreographed steps – everything liberating that a woman would do in her room; they were doing it on stage.

In Gujarat, people cannot afford to take a stand – be it political or feminist, because no one wants to do anything that might disturb his/her dhandha, business. Here, ‘Voh Ladkiyon Wala Natak’ comes as a breath of fresh air. The all-woman, non-linear piece of theatre (rebellion actually) is centred around women and their take on love, lust, anger, frustration and various other emotions. This Gujarat-based production has also performed at Thespo Theatre Festival, Mumbai.

Written by a young Gujarat-based writer Chaitali Das, the play opens up with a conversation around masturbation and why it’s alright if women want to experience desire and pleasure. A reference to a vibrator in a play in Gujarat – is worth noting.

In another scene, a youngster Durga (a reference to the goddess) is seen fighting against Mahishasura but in the middle of the yuddha (war) — Durga gets a phone call from her family (Lord Shiva) about where the milk is? What’s the OTP? And who will bring their little Ganesha home? With humour, they address the glorification done around women and multitasking.

One of the leading characters in the play, Kamala, is played by Preeti Das. She is Laadli awardee journalist, now, an academician, who talks about feminism through comedy and theatre.

Das said, “These young girls were tired of the male narrative in theatre and in life in general and therefore, they came up with their side of the story.” Other team members include Teertha, Anannya, Aayushi, Neha, Lipi, Yashi, Kanksha, Chaitali, Snigdha and Paridhi.

There are moments in the play where one could feel like they said out loud, what you have been feeling and experiencing as a woman for so long. After all, the idea of suppression is universal. At the end of the play, the women come together and talk and talk…and a character says “Ladkiya to sirf baate kar sakti hain, nahi!” (Women can only talk, right!?) With this, the houseful audience gave thundering applause.

The end brings more questions than answers. Can violence ever be called love? As a housewife, what is my purpose in this relationship? Is it alright if women don’t meet the beauty standards set for them?

The play gives the feel-good factor of breakfast, not the satisfaction of lunch. But the silver lining is, some at least scratched the surface in a state where everyone else is too scared of taking a stand – politically or otherwise.

ALSO READ-Vibgyor launches its first theatre festival

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Vibgyor launches its first theatre festival

The festival is being organized at Little Theatre Group Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi from 4th – 11th June 2023…reports Asian Lite News

Natya Kumbh aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive theatre community, where artists can thrive and audiences can immerse themselves in the magic of live performances. Through the festival the organisers aim to provide a platform for talented playwrights, actors, and theatre enthusiasts to showcase their art and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling.

Vibgyor launches its first intellectual property in the space of theatre – Natya Kumbh, a not-for-profit initiative, reaffirming its commitment to the growth and development of the theatre industry in India. 

Natya Kumbh is a festival of theatre, celebrating the drama and dramatist spanning across various genres – from comedy, drama, satire to patriotism. It consists of 9 plays written by celebrated Playwright Mrinal Mathur which will be performed during this week-long festival. Each of the plays are directed and performed by leading theatre troupes and directors from all across the country. All the plays are insightful and not one-sided to provide a meeting ground for different ideas and ideologies.

The festival is being organized at Little Theatre Group Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi from 4th – 11th June 2023.

Natya Kumbh represents a contemporary experience so that audience sees relevance. Convenient to stage and travel with so that more and more people across the country see plays more often. It is insightful and not one-sided, so it provides a meeting ground for different ideas and ideologies. The vision is to travel all over the country and make this mission. Over time, the plan is to involve more theatre people in the movement as long as they bring to the table plays that have an independent playwright’s originality, insight and ambivalence at their core.

Some of the subjects that plays of Natya Kumbh touch upon are Kashmir, The Farm laws and farmer’s movement. India’s History and suit political narratives. The hypocrisy of the middle class. The #MeToo movement. Gender, power and Feminism. The INA trials and contemporary protest movements. India’s soul numbing bureaucracy. In these plays, there are several issues; issues that would normally trigger hyperbole, but are dealt with compassion. Sometimes with biting satire, often with humorous wordplay. Sometimes by taking recourse to myth, sometimes to history. By wearing a sardonic lens at times and at times, with geniality; but always with drama and emotional power. These plays will be performed and read by some of the leading theatre groups of India.

 Ankur Kalra, Managing Director Vibgyor and Producer of Natya Kumbh Festival states, “In today’s day and age where the consumer is bombarded by an overdose of content online, they are more drawn towards live experiences which they can relate to and there is no live experience as powerful and moving as theatre. We see Natya Kumbh as the beginning of a movement which helps bring alive conversations in today’s polarized world. We plan to take this to multiple cities across the country post the successful completion of the first edition in New Delhi”.

ALSO READ-NCPA gears up for annual Marathi Theatre Festival

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An Unforgettable Theatrical Experience: Saiyaan Be-imaan

Theatricalls production’s award-winning play, an enchanting and amusing theatrical show that has captivated audiences of all ages- “Saiyaan Be-imaan” is an absolute must-see performance, featuring two couples from different generations whose lives intersect in surprising ways. A exclusive feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International newspaper.

The play set in India follows the story of an elderly couple and their long-time bachelor friend, with the husband’s constant worry that his wife and the aged friend have grown a little too fond of each other. Meanwhile, the other couple, despite being very much in love, finds themselves caught up in a situation that leads to suspicions of infidelity.

As the story unfolds, the audiences are introduced to a cast of delightful and charming characters, including a few antagonists, who add to the humor and drama of the play. Furthermore, “Saiyaan Be-imaan” touches on the challenges faced by the elderly in their twilight years, making it a heartfelt and thought-provoking story.

“We are thrilled to share this incredible play with our audiences, especially on the occasion of Mother’s Day,” said Nupur Khosla, the show curator & founder of Theatricalls production. “With its perfect blend of  comedy, drama, and heartwarming moments, this show is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees it.” 

Nupur Khosla, founder of Theatricalls production is passionate about showcasing intimate and contemporary theatre events. The content is modern and resonates with today’s times. 

Featuring a talented ensemble of 9 actors, a breathtaking set design, and expert direction, this theatrical experience is one not to be missed. This Hindi language play which was a 90 min show, at Select City Walk was an exceptionally unforgettable show with stellar performances, excellent set design, brilliant direction, superb dialogues and overall heartwarming performances. The Play has won awards for best actor and best production at the Natsamrat awards for recognition in theatre. 

About the Director: Mr Sanjeev Johri is trained under NSD stalwarts like B.V.Karanth, Pankaj Kapur and Nadira Zaheer Babbar. He has performed several lead and major roles in plays directed by thespians like Rajinder Nath, Panchanan Pathak and Barry John. He trained in direction under the National Award winning director Joy Michael. He has directed plays for Abhiyaan, Osho World, Jesus and Mary college and many more institutions of repute. He has also written several full length plays.

About the Producer: Nupur Khhosla is the show curator and founder of Theatricalls production who is the first & only modern day theatre show presenter in Delhi NCR. She is an actor and has over a decade long experience in the corporate in the field of Marketing & Brand Management. She is passionate about showcasing theatre events in an intimate setting and in super theatre format for the contemporary theatre enthusiasts. Her plays are staged at venues like The Quorum Club, Camelias Club, Piano Man & The Roseate House. The content is modern and resonates with today’s times. 

Theatricalls produce plays that are experimental and provide a holistic theatrical experience in exclusive venues. Their forte is storytelling with an exceptional visual and sound experience. They collaborate with talent from different walks of life who bring their rich life journeys that makes content resonate with discerning audiences. They are an audience friendly theatre group who also curate dinner theatre experiences. Highly Recommend catching their shows! 

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‘Baaghi Albele’ narrating through a satirical comedy

An unmissable play is set to stage at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on May 13, 2023, at 7:30pm and May 14, 2023, at 4:00pm & 7:30 pm, tickets for which are available on BookMyShow…reports Asian Lite News

For its sixth season, Delhi will host the eagerly awaited Hindi play Baaghi Albele by Aadyam Theatre, an Aditya Birla Group initiative. This production, which has the renowned theatre director Atul Kumar at the helm, is sure to enthral audiences with its dramatic yet light-hearted storyline and promises to be a treat for all Delhi’s theatre enthusiasts.

Set in Ludhiana, Punjab, Baaghi Albele showcases its narrative through a satirical comedy. The play explores the struggle of artists and intellectuals in a time of government repression and reflects on the relevance of art and artists in contemporary times. It follows the journey of husband and wife actors Johny and Minnie Makhija as they find themselves at the centre of a dangerous situation when a soldier from an underground rebel organisation seeks their help.

With the threat of prosecution and death looming, the couple, along with their troupe of actors, must use their wit and theatrical skills to stay one step ahead of the government spy on their trail. The play combines humour and absurdity with a dark reality as the theatre troupe works to flee to England while navigating the challenges posed by a government spy and a corrupt inspector.

While the play’s plot is based on Ernst Lubitsch’s motion picture “To Be or Not to Be” and Nick Whitby’s dramatic text of the same name, much of the play has been rewritten and improvised by the play’s actors and authors. Gagan Dev Riar wrote the script, and Saurabh Nayyar adapted the plot. The play itself is a full-fledged comedy with colourful characters that drive the drama ahead despite the heavy plot. This effectively highlights the continuing struggle of artists to navigate societal constraints. The piece expertly combines drama with humour to provide a satirical commentary on the difficulties faced by artists throughout time.

Furthermore, Atul Kumar’s exceptional stagecraft and a stellar cast of proficient actors, including Gagan Dev Riar, Ayesha Raza, Taranjit Kaur, Ujjwal Chopra, Saurabh Nayyar, and Harsh Khurana, amongst many others, will bring these hard-hitting implications of the narration spectacularly and comically to life.

An unmissable play is set to stage at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on May 13, 2023, at 7:30pm and May 14, 2023, at 4:00pm & 7:30 pm, tickets for which are available on BookMyShow.

ALSO READ-NCPA gears up for annual Marathi Theatre Festival

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Curtains up for ‘The F Word’

The tale is a contemporary, humorous take on how every family has skeletons hidden in their closet, which unfolds into a poignant and deeply human exploration of love and loss…reports Asian Lite News

The countrys pioneering theatre initiative by the Aditya Birla Group — Aadyam Theatre — has once again raised the curtains to present its latest original play, ‘The F Word’. The play is directed by widely acclaimed producer-writer-actor-director Akarsh Khurana, whose most recent noteworthy work includes the famed web series ‘Mismatched’ and the movie, ‘Karwaan’ starring the late Irrfan Khan.

Produced by Akvarious Productions, this play is a satirical yet stimulating story of a dysfunctional family, their untold personal affairs, and the bittersweet dynamics that shape their identities. Raw and complex emotions simmer beneath the surface, as this family confronts their past and present, and grapples with the fragility of their relationships.

‘The F Word’, where F stands for the other more infamous word Family, takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as they follow Chetan, a high school teacher, and his estranged sister, Unnati, a psychologist, in their quest to understand their parents’ tangled marriage. As the family tries to navigate their way through a long-overdue conversation, they unwittingly unleash Pandora’s box of family secrets that have been swept under the rug for years.

The tale is a contemporary, humorous take on how every family has skeletons hidden in their closet, which unfolds into a poignant and deeply human exploration of love and loss.

This absorbing comical take on intricate bonds is brought to life by an incredible cast. Akash Khurana essays the Father’s role, capturing the indignities of ageing with humour and pathos. Siddharth Kumar brings depth and nuance to his portrayal of the Brother, revealing the character’s vulnerabilities and flaws. Malaika Shenoy as the Sister breathes in wisdom, charm, and sensitivity into her character. And finally, Garima Yajnik shines as she portrays the friendly and familiar Restaurant Owner to perfection.

Director Akarsh Khurana, known for his masterful direction, said: “Dysfunctional families have always fascinated me. In fact, even though I get along well with my father, who is acting in the play, I have noticed a common theme of daddy issues in plenty of my work. I think the deeply personal conflict between relatives can be mined for both comedy and pathos. And this time, with Aadyam showcasing smaller productions where scale and razzmatazz are no longer a priority, I could delve deep into a character-driven conversation piece.

“‘The F Word’ is a deeply personal and prolonged conversation about parents, children, marriage, ageing, resentment, nostalgia, and importance, or lack, of communication. It is darkly comic and surprisingly relatable, or so we hope. If it isn’t, well, who said family outings have to be fun?”

Shernaz Patel, the Artistic Director of Aadyam said: “The talented trio of Akash Khurana, Akarsh Khurana, and AKvarious Productions are back again to entertain us with this wonderful bitter-sweet family story. ‘The F Word’ is a play that will make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings. What will make your theatre experience even more special is that the play is being staged at the exciting, intimate space at the NCPA — the JBT Box.”

The play opens at JBT Box, NCPA, on April 29, with two shows at 4 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. and on April 30 at 4 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

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‘Being average is more popular than doing something different’

The piece is replete with songs which come from the centennials old Maanganiyaar tradition but avoids musical instruments, once again underlining the power of the spoken and sung word,” the director says…reports Asian Lite News

Lamenting that Indian theatre is just not ready to push boundaries, theatre director Mohit Takalkar, whose production ‘Hunkaro’ won seven awards at the recently concluded Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) curated by Teamwork Arts in the capital, tells : “Being average has become more popular than doing something different. Why are we not taking more risks when it comes to writing, stage making, and design? Imagine, for many, the role of a scenographer in theatre-making is completely dispensable.”

‘Hunkaro’, a devised production in Marwari, Hindi, Awadhi, and Haryanvi, which swept in the categories including Best Director, Stage Design, Light Design, Costume Design, Production, Ensemble, and Original Script was conceived during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The idea of the piece came into existence with the disturbing realisation that the pandemic had reduced not only the attention span of people but also the capacity and need to listen. Since Lockdown, there is an insatiable hunger to consume visuals and noise which leaves very little to no room for listening. And if there is no listening, Hunkaro cannot exist.

“But are we ready to listen? It is said that listening is an art, so just like many other art forms, is this one too losing its beauty and necessity? But the world lives on hope and indeed, hope is the thread that binds this performance. The performance, while laying a strong emphasis on the beauty of the Rajasthani language, does talk about the aesthetic value of languages as a whole, the importance of the uttered word as well as the art of listening. Keeping ‘Psychophysical acting’ at the core of the performance, the actors are challenged to speak with the unison of mind and body, at times expressing themselves through tone and body, and sometimes in a dead no-tone. The piece is replete with songs which come from the centennials old Maanganiyaar tradition but avoids musical instruments, once again underlining the power of the spoken and sung word,” the director says.

Takalkar is optimistic that the many awards will be instrumental in encouraging the young actors who were part of the production. “For the group, when we started, we didn’t even think we had a play in our hands, just an exploration in our minds. So considering that, it is really special that it is getting so much attention,” he adds about the play based on stories by Vijaedan Detha, Chirag Khandelwal, and Arvind Charan.

The director, admitting that there was a time when he would treat the text as a Bible and follow it to the T’, says at one stage he realised that a performance script is something completely different, and there was a particular challenge and satisfaction in working on that. “Take the example of this play. The actors were the biggest point to rely on. Owing to the pandemic and what people suffered, there was so much to share. The raw emotion was the biggest material of the piece and after a long time the focus was only on the actors and their bodies along with their speech, so it was an enriching experience.”

Important the themes he chooses are contemporary and situations relatable, Takalkar, who received the Charles Wallace scholarship which enabled him to pursue his Masters’s degree in Theatre Practice from the University of Exeter (UK) in the year 2010 under the guidance of Phillip Zarrill, enrolled in formal theatre education quite late in his professional life. The director did not come through the ‘inter-college circuit’ and for a long time did not understand the concept of formal education.

“Everyone in the group decided to go out for a year and come back. That is how I applied to the master’s programme with half a mind. And it was a different world altogether. What I experienced changed my perspective. Also, coming from a background of Marathi theatre; we had very clear descriptions of what theatre was and was not, something that changed for me. I saw a lot of dance, and art and attended music concerts that changed the way I looked at things and my practice metamorphosed,” says the director who co-founded the Aasakta Kalamanch in 2003 and has directed more than 30 experimental plays in Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Marwari, and English languages.

Also, a filmmaker (‘The Bright Day’ and ‘Medium Spicy’), he feels that when it comes to indie cinema and content being made for OTT, while things are looking up, makers still have to conform to certain aspects and there is no ‘independence’ in the true sense of the word. “The saleability aspect is still very high, and I do not see that changing very soon. Look at thrillers on digital platforms. Even in that genre, makers are not willing to touch newer aspects.”

Takalkar, who lives with bipolar disorder and has been quite vocal about it stresses that while he does not wear it on the sleeve, but it is important for him to speak about it. ” It is an everyday struggle… For the longest time, I used to hide it for obvious reasons, but it fuels my art and the way I look at things, and the way I lead my life. And that raw energy, I must acknowledge.”

Jay Shah, Vice-President, Head – Cultural Outreach, at Mahindra Group adds, “At META, each production represented a distinctive topic with its unique way of presentation. Overall the 18th edition of the festival was a veritable feast for the senses covering various topics of social relevance. It is a true representation of Mahindra Group’s commitment to this essential art form.”

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