IN PHOTOS: Thespo theatre fest is back! 8 unique shows to look forward to

What started as a showcase of young onstage and backstage talent in 1999, is returning for a new season after its milestone 25th edition last year. The theme for this year is Bring Your Own Drama — a call for untold stories that might not usually find a stage. (Story by Devashish Kamble) PICS COURTESY/THESPO;INSTAGRAM

Updated On: 2024-12-04 06:38 PM IST

Compiled by : Jyoti Shukla

From perspectives on patriarchy in the kitchens of India to a play from Assam that takes a modern relook at the myth of Surpanakha in Ramayana, the curators were in for a tough choice, says festival mentor Anushka Ghose.

A moment from  a previous performance of Chai Thandi Na Ho Jaye

The Guide’s Top Picks 

Prithvi Theatre 

Chai, anyone?
The Hindi Dramatics Society of Miranda House, Delhi, takes the audience back in time with their fantasy drama Chai Thandi Na Ho Jaye. If the name rings a bell, it’s because it’s an Indian adaptation of Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s 2015 Japanese novel Before The Coffee Gets Cold.

ON Tomorrow; 6pm and 9 pm 
Log on to: thespo.org 
Entry Rs 350; Rs 200 (students)

A scene from the Marathi play Rikameek

Beyond caste lines
In times where social media is pushing netizens to ideological extremes, how does a young awkward couple navigate their inter-caste marriage? Ahilyanagar’s Aapla Ghar theatre company answers the question through their socio-political drama Rikameek.

ON December 6; 6 pm and 9 pm  
Log on to: thespo.org
Entry Rs 350; Rs 200 (students)

Assam-based Third Theatre group will present a modern retelling of Indian mythology at the festival

An epic retelling
The women from the epic of the Ramayana speak up about their lived experiences and alternate perspectives in the Assamese play Chandranakha that blends dance, drama, music and storytelling.

ON December 7; 6 pm and 9 pm
Log on to: thespo.org
Entry Rs 350; Rs 200 (students)

Alexander Wright

Put on a show
Alexander Wright of the award-winning British theatremaker duo Wright & Grainger takes a story and makes it better in this instructional workshop about turning seemingly ordinary ideas into extraordinary musical gig-based theatre.

ON December 7; 10 am onwards
Log on to: thespo.org
Entry Rs 1,300 (includes Rs 500 refundable deposit)

Prithvi House

Keep it real

If you’re an aspiring actor, join in to witness Shivani Tanksale (above) unveil the secrets of the popular American Meisner technique that promises to help young actors ace the art of spontaneous, authentic acting on stage.

ON Today; 9 am to 5 pm
Log on to: thespo.org
Entry Rs 2,500 (includes Rs 500 refundable deposit)

A touch of solidarity

Bengaluru-based theatremaker Durga Venkatesan (below) takes a brave plunge in Touchy Topics, an interactive play where audience members can leave imprints on the artiste’s body as a means to share and heal from past trauma.

ON Tomorrow; 5 pm
Log on to: thespo.org

Representational Pic

Prithvi Adda 

Take a seat

Storytelling works both ways. If you like the spotlight on yourself, sit down to share your story at the Table and Stools booth. ‘Tell us a story and we’ll give you a chakli’ reads the logline of the event. A free and fair deal, we say.

TILL December 7; 7 am to 9 pm

Chanakya Vyas

Room for all
Join writer Chanakya Vyas in a reading of his Hindi psychological thriller Jhund. Come prepared for a conversation on trust, betrayal, conformity and rebellion.

ON December 5; 3.30 pm
Log on to: thespo.org

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