“Bali Vadham“ from Abhiseka Natka of Bhasa

Kutiyattam of Kerala is the sole surviving art-form that represents the staging of ancient Indian Sanskrit dramas. It is believed that Kutiyattam can claim an antiquity of more than two thousand years and Kutiyattam has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” from 2001. For a proper understanding of India’s ancient dramaturgy, a careful study of Kutiyattam is as essential as the study of Bharata’s Natyasastra. In some of the important temples of Kerala, a theatre hall is specially built for the performance ofKutiyattam called Koothambalam.

Directors: Guru Ammanur Madhava Chakyar and G. Venu

Cast: Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar (Sugriva), Sooraj Nambiar (Sri Rama), Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar (Bali)

Harmless Hugs is glad to invite you to the Tarang – Delhi International Queer Theatre and Film Festival 2018

Harmless Hugs is glad to invite you to the Tarang – Delhi International Queer Theatre and Film Festival 2018

5th Jash E Rekhta – Urdu celebration

5th Jash E Rekhta – Urdu celebration: Jashn-e-Rekhta is a three-day festival celebrated annually in Delhi under the aegis of the Rekhta Foundation, a not-for-profit organization devoted wholeheartedly to the preservation and promotion of the Urdu language, its literature and culture.

Within the last four years, 5th Jash E Rekhta – Urdu celebration has left behind the trappings of a festival to emerge as an excellent celebration of Urdu, its rich heritage and eclectic art forms. The event includes splendid musical performances of ghazals and qawwalis by renowned artistes. Additional activities include dastangoi renditions, panel discussions, poetry recitations and enriching conversations with celebrities. Items decorated with calligraphy and other goods are also available and visitors can enjoy a variety of local as well as Middle Eastern cuisine at the food stalls.

The festival has been graced by doyens of Urdu poetry and literature and also by people of eminence from the film, music and television industry. Owing to its uniqueness, 5th Jash E Rekhta – Urdu celebration has become one of the most popular literary and cultural events of our country.

The 5th edition of the festival will be held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on December 14–16, 2018 (Fri-Sun).dia Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110002

Dastangoi presents Dastan-E-Rag Darbari – THEATRE : “Dastan-e-Raag Darbari” Hindustani Play.

An Old World Culture Presentation

Performed by Mahmood Farooqui & Darain Shahidi.

Adapted and directed by Mahmood Farooqui.

Produced by Anusha Rizvi.

An adaptation of Shrilal Shukla’s landmark novel of the same name authored in 1968. It is a satirical take on the politics and society of a fictional village in the post Independent era, and continues to be relevant till date.

The dastan also includes works of Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi, Ibn e Khaldun, Baba Nagarjun, Kedarnath Singh, Sauda, Jafar Zatalli, Plato and Machiavelli.

Dastangoi presents Dastan-E-Rag Darbari – THEATRE : “Dastan-e-Raag Darbari” Hindustani Play.

An Old World Culture Presentation

Performed by Mahmood Farooqui & Darain Shahidi.

Adapted and directed by Mahmood Farooqui.

Produced by Anusha Rizvi.

An adaptation of Shrilal Shukla’s landmark novel of the same name authored in 1968. It is a satirical take on the politics and society of a fictional village in the post Independent era, and continues to be relevant till date.

The dastan also includes works of Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi, Ibn e Khaldun, Baba Nagarjun, Kedarnath Singh, Sauda, Jafar Zatalli, Plato and Machiavelli.

FISH AND BUBBLES: by Michele Cafaggi/ Studio TA-DAA!

on 6th February 2019 at Amphitheatre, India Habitat Centre at 7:30pm

Duration: 50 Minutes

It’s a beautiful sunny day, but oh my, there’s a naughty little raincloud in the sky playing mischief. The fisherman is trying to catch fish, but the cloud is following him everywhere and raining down on his head. Our hero decides he’ll enjoy the rain & clown around playing his favorite games with wonderful bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Whatever will happen next, when the naughty cloud decides to join in the fun? Compounded generously with music & a riotous abundance of water gags & colourful bubbles – this marvellously clever show will have you smiling from ear to ear.

Online tickets for Delhi – KYAZOONGA.COM/ISHARA

For further information – Teamwork Arts – +91-9643302036/37/38/39

www.isharapuppet.com

20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – DESAPARECIDOS

DESAPARECIDOS#43

Director: Anna Dora Dorno
Playwright: Nicola Pianzola
Group: Instabili Vaganti
Language: English & Spanish
Duration: 55 mins

The Play

Desaparecidos#43 aims to give voice to the dramatic event of the 43 Mexican students of Ayotzinapa who disappeared on 26th September 2014. It is a strong performance of great emotional impact, an artistic Re-Action to a tragic reality: the en-forced disappearances afflicting Mexico, and an original dramaturgy, made not only of words but also of physical actions, sounds, songs and projected images.

Director’s Note

Desaparecidos#43 is not only a performance but also an authentic act of rebellion, a work exalting freedom of opinion, expression and demonstration, which are being worldwide threatened. It is an artistic example of the international influence of mass media and globalization and how they can sensitise the public opinion and help to ask for justice. It is a hope hymn, able to let red flowers grow from a stack of bloody clothes – ‘They wanted to bury us but they didn’t know we were seeds’.

The Director

Anna Dora Dorno was born in 1976 in Italy. She graduated at the University of Bologna – Department of Music and Performance. In 2004 she founded the experimental theatre company Instabili Vaganti. She has directed and acting in – Avan-lulu, which received the special award of the Jury at the 6th International Festival of Theatre and Visual Arts, Zdarzenia (Poland), The Ritual, the result of a 10-year research project all around the world and performed at the 18 Bharat Rang Mahostav in Delhi, Ausencia – Alone in the crowd, premiered at the 32nd Fadjr International festival of Teheran (Iran), Made In Ilva, which received a nomination at the Total Theatre Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014 and was the winner of 10 national awards for the best performance, Desparecidos#43 based on the true story of the missing students in Mexico and winner of the patronage of Amnesty International. She holds workshops for performers in universities and academies all over the world including: Grotowski Institute in Poland, Shanghai Theatre Academy in China, National School of Drama in India, and UNAM in Mexico.

The Playwright

Born in 1977 in Italy, Nicola Pianzola graduated at the University of Bologna – Department of Music and Performance. He graduated in physical theatre at the Nouveau Cirque school of Bologna and at the Grotowski Institute of Wroclaw (Poland). He is currently a performer and playwright in all the productions of Instabili Vaganti Theatre Company. He has won several national and international awards as a performer of the solo show Made in Ilva including the nomination at the Total Theatre Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe 2014. He collaborates with the University of Bologna, Department of Music And Performance where he gives workshops, work demonstrations, lectures and film screenings about physical theatre. He won the DAMS award for his research and experience in theatre with actors with handicaps. He writes for Hystrio theatre magazine and fattiditeatro theatre webzine.

The Group

Founded in 2004 by Anna Dora Dorno and Nicola Pianzola, the company focuses on an experimental ongoing research in physical theatre and performing arts. Anna Dora Dorno works worldwide, producing performances and directing projects, collaborating with international artists, performers, musicians and video makers. Their poetic work is able to overcome the labels and the divisions between theatre, dance, visual arts, and to communicate strong, emotional, impacting messages. Their performances have been translated in 3 languages and presented in more than 20 countries in Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Latin America and Asia, winning several awards, including the nomination to the Total Theatre awards at the Edinburgh Fringe, and premiering in important festivals such as FIDAE in Uruguay, NLGX in Beijing, and 8th Theatre Olympics in India. Their methodology is valued and requested in many universities and academies all over the world.

Cast & Credits

Main Performers Anna Dora Dorno

Nicola Pianzola

Armida Pieretti

Original dramaturgy Nicola Pianzola

Production Instabili Vaganti

With the patronage of Amnesty International Italy

Playwright Nicola Pianzola

Design & Direction Anna Dora Dorno

For More Information: https://20brm.nsd.gov.in/desaparecidos43/

For complete schedule: https://20brm.nsd.gov.in/delhi-brm-schedule.pdf 

For Tickets: https://20brm.nsd.gov.in/

Screening of the Italian Movie ‘Le notti di Cabiria’

Le notti di Cabiria (English: Nights of Cabiria) is a 1957 Italian drama film directed by Federico Fellini and starring Giulietta Masina, François Périer, and Amedeo Nazzari. Based on a story by Fellini, the film is about a prostitute in Rome who searches for true love in vain.

Nights of Cabiria won the 1957 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. This was the second straight year Italy and Fellini won this Academy Award, having won for 1956’s La Strada, which also starred Giulietta Masina.

Storyline: Rome, 1957. A woman, Cabiria, is robbed and left to drown by her boyfriend, Giorgio. Rescued, she resumes her life and tries her best to find happiness in a cynical world. Even when she thinks her struggles are over and she has found happiness and contentment, things may not be what they seem.

Directed by: Federico Fellini

Stars: Giulietta Masina, François Périer, Franca Marzi
Year: 1957

Duration: 118 Minutes
Genres: Drama

Certificates/ classification : The main character is a prostitute. Neither sex nor nudity are ever explicitly shown, however.

Some mild cursing. Casual smoking and drinking throughout the film.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nights_of_Cabiria

Undivided Bengal Food Festival

FOOD FEST : Horn Ok Please – Food Truck Festival

Entry : by tickets priced at Rs. 299 (single day & Rs. 199 option if buying during fri-sun), Available at :
Online : NearBuy
Offline : At the venue during the fest days.
Note : Children under the age of 8 get in free, and we’ve got a kiddie land with carnival games, rides and much more so make sure you get your tiny tots along!

Venue : Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Pragati Vihar, Lodi Colony, New Delhi
Venue info : Map | Nearest Metro Station – ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Violet Line) Gate No. 3’

Event Description : FOOD FEST : Horn Ok Please – Food Truck Festival 5.0

Coming back into the city with fresh concepts, a plethora of food options and plenty of music and shopping, Delhiites will see the 5th edition of Horn OK Please – Delhi’s Happiest Food Festival from 1st to 3rd March, 2019. This festival is a family-friendly food carnival showcasing 150+ eateries from across the city, food carts and an expansive Food Truck Park, a Dessert Lane and more, ensuring that everyone finds something to suit every budget.

Here what all is lined-up for you:

Introducing the All-New Walking Street – Devour some mouth-watering grub from a range of pop-up restaurants from all over the country!

Try out the ever so popular Grub Campus where anything and everything is under 250 bucks!

Check out the Food Truck Park with over 20 best food trucks from Delhi NCR.

Your favourite Dessert Lane is back with over 20 exhibitors showcasing the sugariest waffles, crepes, shakes, ice creams, brownies and MUCH MORE!

See over 20 homegrown bands perform LIVE at the HOP stage, dance to some epic tunes with a drink in hand!

Shop your heart out from the ever so popular Quirk Bazaar – our very own flea market!

Try your hands at VR, Bungee, Bull Riding, Segway & ATV rides and much more at our experience zone.

Chalo lal Qila – Artists Unite

Entry : Registration at : goo.gl/wcxxYf

Venue : Red Fort (Lal Qila), Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi – 110006
Venue Info : Map | Nearest Metro Stations – ‘Lal Qila(Violet Line)’ & ‘Chandni Chowk(Yellow Line)’

Event Description : FEST : Artists Unite, Delhi – Chalo Laal Qila!

On March 2 & 3 over a hundred artists, writers and poets will gather at the Red Fort, Delhi, on multiple stages at the historic 15 August Park  to speak of democracy, togetherness and of an India that belongs to all its citizens. They will speak through the language of music, theatre, poetry, films and performances. Similar events are being organized by artists in other cities and towns including Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Dharwad, Pune and Patna.

Join us as we celebrate the culture of love, togetherness and the rejection of hatred. A large number of artists including Shubha Mudgal, Rabbi Shergill, Astad Deboo, Aditi Mangaldas, Jasbir Jassi, Maya Rao, Madan Gopal Singh, Dhruv Sangari, Surjit Nongmeikapam Bon, Sheetal Sathe, Harpreet, Askari Naqvi, Sonam Kalra, Inder Salim, Delhi Sultanate + Begum X, Azadi Records, Vedanth Bharadwaj,  Prabh Deep, Sanjay Rajoura, Ahmer, Seedhe Maut, Swadesi, Dopeadelics, Daniel Langthasa – Mr. India, Rasika Agashe, Lokesh Jain,  JANAM, Fouzia Dastango, Syed Sahil Agha, Patna Choir  are performing at the two day event. There will be poetry sessions, a mushaira/kavi sammelan with some of the most respected poets in Urdu and Hindi including Ashok Vajpeyi, Gauhar Raza, Asad Zaidi, Mangalesh Dabral, Nouman Shauq, Azhar Iqbal, Waseem Rashid, Akhil Katyal, Sabika Abbas,  theatre performances, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, hip hop and reggae music and a celebration of Delhi’s diverse food cultures.  The event is free and open to all.

Why should Artists Unite ? This is a time when cultural and social life in India is being torn asunder by a toxic cocktail of propaganda, violence, censorship and distorted histories. The right to life, the right to love, food choices, language and histories, cultural expression, all are under assault by a politics of hate which is at war with the people of India and their diverse cultures.

As artists and cultural practitioners we re-dedicate ourselves at this critical moment to defend a culture that speaks of love, equality and solidarity. We will fight hate with love. We will counter violence with peace. Through our images, speech, words, music and bodies we will resist the cultural destruction of India.
Artists and writers are witness to and participants in the evolution of a culture that acquires its strength from diverse influences that together transform into the promise of Indian democracy, a promise that finds its echo in the Indian constitution. Democracy is not a majoritarian project to identify enemies and enforce uniformity of language, behaviour and culture. Democracy is the celebration of a collective will for peace, of living together with dignity and equality.

Website : artistsunite.home.blog

THEATRE “Jashn-E-Qalam” Hindustani Play

Event Description : THEATRE “Jashn-E-Qalam” Hindustani Play

An Old World Culture Presentation

Does beauty lie in the eyes of the beholder? What happens when an internal monologue is stuck on loop in your mind? To what extent will you push the boundaries of a frenemy? Unwrap these questions through scintillating Solo Performances of timeless Hindustani Short Stories.

Rajendra Yadav | KINARE SE KINARE TAK | Rajesh Kumar
A Husband battles the gnawing pangs of Doubt & Deceit. What demons lie lurking in the depths of our mind? How do you keep them at bay before this madness & mayhem wreaks havoc?

Rajinder Singh Bedi | CHECHAK KE DAAG | Shashwita Sharma
A beautiful bride-to-be sees the groom for the first time on her wedding day. Her dreams turn into a nightmare; the prince’s face is not so charming. Is beauty in the eyes of the beholder?

Patras Bokhari | MARHOOM KI YAAD MEIN | KC Shankar

Ride this roller-coaster of laughs that delves into the strange connections between friendship and honesty, humour and pain, comedy and tragedy.

Written by Rajinder Singh Bedi, Patras Bokhari & Rajendra Yadav

14th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards & Festival

NOMINATIONS

BEST PLAY:

• Agarbatti directed by Swati Dubey and produced by Samagam Rangmandal (Jabalpur [Madhya Pradesh], 1 Hr 20 Min, Hindi & Bundeli)
• Andha Yug (Gujarati Adaptation) directed by Dr. Chavan Pramod R. and produced by Rang Prayog (Vadodara [Gujarat], 1 Hr 35 Min, Gujarati)
• Andha Yug (Hindi Adaptation) directed by Joy Maisnam and produced by TAAM, Manipur(Imphal [Manipur], 1 Hr 10 Min, Hindi)
• Bhagi Hui Ladkiyan directed by Dhwani Vij and produced by Aagaaz Theatre Trust (Delhi, 1 Hr, Hindustani)
• Chandâla, Impure directed by Koumarane Valavane and produced by Indianostrum Théâtre (Pondicherry, 3 Hr (20 Min interval), Tamil)
• Chillara Samaram directed by Arun Lal and produced by Little Earth School Of Theatre Kerala (Malappuram [Kerala], 1 Hr 5 Min, Malayalam)
• Kola directed by Achutha Kumar and produced by Theatre Tatkal (Bengaluru [Karnataka], 2 Hr 15 Min (10 Min interval), Kannada)
• Loose Woman directed by Maya Krishna Rao and produced by Vismayah (Delhi, 1 Hr, English)
• Pulijanmam directed by Bineesh K and produced by Dravida Entertainments (Kochi [Kerala], 1 Hr 5 Min, Malayalam)

BEST DIRECTOR:

• Swati Dubey (Agarbatti)
• Dr. Chavan Pramod R. (Andha Yug, Gujarati Adaptation)
• Joy Maisnam (Andha Yug , Hindi Adaptation)
• Dhwani Vij (Bhagi Hui Ladkiyan)
• Koumarane Valavane (Chandâla, Impure)
• Arun Lal (Chillara Samaram )
• Achutha Kumar (Kola)
• Maya Krishna Rao (Loose Woman)
• Bineesh K (Pulijanmam)

BEST STAGE DESIGN:

• Joseph Bernard Lourdumarianathan – Chandâla, Impure
• Vaishak Krishnaprasad – Pulijanmam

BEST LIGHT DESIGN:

• Avtar Shahni – Andha Yug (Hindi Adaptation)
• Sajas Rahman – Chillara Samaram
• Suresh Kuttyraman and Sajas Rahman – Pulijanmam

BEST INNOVATIVE SOUND DESIGN:

• Vivek Sivadasan – Chillara Samaram

• Sumant Balakrishnan & Sudheer Rikhari – Loose Woman

• Sanal Dev – Pulijanmam  

BEST COSTUME DESIGN:

• Dr. Chavan Pramod R. – Andha Yug (Gujarati Adaptation)
• Nandini Patwardhan and Apeksha Ghaligi – Kola
• Ramya Suvi – Pulijanmam

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE (MALE):

• Mohd. Shahnawaj for Ashwathama – Andha Yug (Hindi Adaptation)
• Vasanth Selvam for Jack – Chandâla, Impure
• Manikandan Rajan for Kari Gurukkal – Pulijanmam

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE (FEMALE):

• Rukmini Sircar (Thakurain) – Agarbatti
• Maya Krishna Rao – Loose Woman
• Garggi Ananthan – Pulijanmam

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (MALE):

• Ranganath Gopalarathnam for Dhrutarashtra – Andha Yug (Gujarati Adaptation)
• Akhil K P – Chillara Samaram
• Sreejith Sundar for Pottan Theyyam – Pulijanmam

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (FEMALE):

• Monika Panwar for Damyanti  – Agarbatti

BEST ORIGINAL SCRIPT:

• Ashish Pathak – Agarbatti
• Jasmine, Nagina, Nagma and Zainab – Bhagi Hui Ladkiyan
• MP Rajesh – Chillara Samaram

BEST ENSEMBLE:

• Andha Yug (Gujarati Adaptation)
• Agarbatti
• Bhagi Hui Ladkiyan
• Chillara Samaram

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY:

• Joy Maisnam – Andha Yug (Hindi Adaptation)
• Dr. Chavan Pramod R. – Andha Yug (Gujarati Adaptation)
• Arun Lal – Chillara Samaram
• Maya Krishna Rao – Loose Woman
• Bineesh K – Pulijanmam

PLAYS SCHEDULE

The Company Theatre has taken a decision to withdraw their entry from META 2019.

Dream On Theatre Festival

DreamOnTheatreFestival is a celebration of diversity & uniqueness of each genre of emotion and the courage to dream.

There are a vivid set of genres with strong characters from plays ranging from 1970 classic ‘Ashadh Ka Ek Din’ to the sufi journey of Sahir Ludhianvi in ‘Wo Afsaana’, along with a comedy drama on India’s partition ‘Tranzistor Untuned’, with a take on women defamation remembering the viral gone Rs.10 note stating ‘Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai’ and the 35 year old rib tickling comedy Out Of Order adapted to hindi play ‘Sweet Suite’.

If all the stories have something in common it’s the emotions & powerful characters & actors.

About the production/organizers : Dreaming Stage is a theatre production company established to provide real entertainment to the audience and change the theatre trend.

Schedule : 

5th April :
1-3pm Ashadh Ka Ek Din
4-6pm Ashadh Ka Ek Din
8-9pm Tranzistor Untuned

6th April :
2-3.30pm Wo Afsaana
5-6pm Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai
7.30-8.30pm Tranzistor Untuned

7th April :
1-3pm Sweet Suite
4-6pm Sweet Suite
7-9pm Sweet Suite

Unicorn Actors’ Studio presents “Blue Whale and Saffron Sand” Hindi Play

Event Description : THEATRE : Unicorn Actors’ Studio presents “Blue Whale and Saffron Sand” Hindi Play as part of Popular Theatre Festival.

Parindey Storytellers presents “`Story`FIC” Hinglish Play

Event Description : THEATRE : Parindey Storytellers presents “`Story`FIC” Hinglish Play

A mature tale of relationships and the issues that eventually creep up in various relationships over time. The story of Dr. Mita, Dr. Manhar and Manoj which represents the multiple stages of relationships.

Cast – Aishik Acharya, Rani Maheshwari, Mayank Beejawat

Writer and Director : Prakhar Gautam

Dastangoi Summer Festival in Urdu/Hindustani

Entry : Tickets: Rs. 300, Rs. 350, Rs. 500, Available at :
Online : BookMyShow
Offline : At the venue if not sold out

Venue : Akshara Theatre, 11-12 B, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001
Landmark : Next to RML Hospital Emergency Gate 5Venue Info :
Events | About | Map | Nearest Metro Stations – ‘Shivaji Stadium (Airport Line)’, ‘Patel Chowk(Yellow Line)Exit Gate – 3’ & ‘R. K. Ashram Marg(Blue Line)’ Exit Gate – 4
Parking : Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital public parking or Inside Akshara Theatre

Event Description : THEATRE : Dastangoi Summer Festival in Urdu/Hindustani

Poem of an Ending

POEM OF AN ENDING is a stage adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Shesher Kobita’, a classic revered by many. The novel has been adapted as radio plays and into a film in Bengali. However, this is for the first time ‘Shesher Kobita’ is adapted for the stage in English for a wider audience. This literary piece is considered as one of the best works of Tagore.

The play recounts the iconic love story of Amit Ray, a barrister educated at Oxford, whose virulent intellectualism reveals itself in its opposition to all forms of tradition. He meets Labonyo in a car accident and the romance builds up in the misty hills of Shillong. Amit’s iconoclasm meets Labonyo’s sincere simplicity through a series of dialogues and poems. But will these two worlds finally meet? The novel explores the realities of love as romance and marriage through a meeting of two mature minds. The story is also supported by Ketaki, Shovon, and Yogomaya who have critical roles in this story of love and conflict.

The play is presented in a unique format where each lead character is represented by an actor and a dancer/movement expert. The unique combination represents love as genderless and universal. The format brings in the contemporary element to the play and makes the production engaging for a young audience. The core idea behind the production is to present Tagore in a new age format, which has not been done yet on stage. With POEM OF AN ENDING, we have attempted to bring Tagore closer to the audience of this new generation and introduce them to the global genius in a new format.