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
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
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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
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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
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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
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Entry Rs 1,300 (includes Rs 500 refundable deposit)
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
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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
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Representational Pic
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
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