In 2009, the National Centre for the Performing Arts set out to host a series of plays in the city that aimed to showcase only experimental works of theatre. The idea was to present unique stories, that transcended the boundaries of language and gave the audience a wide range of contemporary works to choose from.
Sharad Joshi Express
On: Saturday, November 28
Language: Hindi
A tribute to the great satirist Sharad Joshi, the play chronicles five stories by him, all interconnected with a musical treatment. Most of Joshi’s works focus on humour and tales of the common man. All five stories take place at the railway station.
Directed by: Mayank Pahwa
Where: Godrej Dance Theatre
Tickets: Rs 250 onward
When: 5pm
Parindon Ki Mehfil
On: Saturday, November 28
Language: Hindustani (traditional Hindi)
A theatre adaptation of the Persian poem, Conference of the Birds, by Phulmani Varma, the story recounts the longing of a group of birds’ to know the great Simorgh. The Simorgh is a bird from Iranian mythology, often referred to as the phoenix in Sufi literature. As the birds embark on their journey, they all opt out one by one, each offering an excuse as to why they are unable to endure the journey. Each bird has a special significance that corresponds to a human flaw.
Directed by: Heeba Shah
{{/usCountry}}Directed by: Heeba Shah
{{/usCountry}}Where: Experimental Theatre
Tickets: Rs 400 onward
When: 7pm
The Living Room
On: Sunday, November 29
Language: English
Kalki Koechlin’s directorial debut, the play takes place in a world where time is of no consequence. The story is set in Ana Nil’s living room where Death is a character as real as the people around us. Simultaneously, other characters such as Ana’s estranged lover Jo, her rich godson Born Kuber and Dr Zeus enter the house. What ensues is chaos.
Written and Directed by: Kalki Koechlin
Where: Experimental Theatre
Tickets: Rs 400 onward
When: 3pm and 7pm
Spandan
On: Monday, November 30
Language: Marathi
An adaptation of A Letter to a Child Never Born, a novel by Italian author and journalist Oriana Fallaci, the story is narrated though a letter written by a young woman to her foetus. It details her struggles to choose between her beloved career and the unexpected pregnancy. As it probes the psyche and the conscience, the story highlights the doubts and dreams of motherhood.
Adapted and directed by: Vipul Vilas Mahagaonkar
Where: Godrej Dance Theatre
Tickets: Rs 150 onward
When: 5pm
Kasumal Sapno
On: Thursday, december 3
Language: Rajasthani
A regional rendition of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the play is set in the mythical land of Athens. The story depicts the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and their interaction with woodland fairies. The play will mingle the elements of the original story by Shakespeare with the nuances of the ethnic Rajasthani culture.
Directed by: Ajeet Singh Palawat
Where: Experimental Theatre
Tickets: Rs 200 onward
When: 7pm