Theatre lovers have a reason to rejoice as one of India’s most popular theatre festivals, Thespo, is back for its 15th edition. The organising committee for the festival recently announced the theme for the much-anticipated event. “Our theme this year is Nautanki Ka Junction. It will be the meeting place for people who are interested in any aspect of theatre,” says Quasar Thakore Padamsee, team Thespo, Q Theatre Productions (QTP). To be held in December, the fest has also opened entries and is looking for actors, directors, stage managers and theatre acts.
Besides full-fledged stage acts, Thespo 15 will host workshops led by experts from around the world, short performances in alternative spaces and live music gigs, among other activities. There are a number of activities one can get involved in — like volunteering to build the festival, put up a play, design posters and sets, or write for the magazine.
Explaining how this year’s fest is different from the earlier ones, Quasar says, “Ever since we began, our growth has been determined by what young theatre enthusiasts want. At Thespo 13, training was the need of the hour. At Thespo 14, we managed to generate a lot of participation from smaller cities. This year, we are looking at participation from new cities and planning to conduct workshops and theatre activities there.”
{{/usCountry}}Explaining how this year’s fest is different from the earlier ones, Quasar says, “Ever since we began, our growth has been determined by what young theatre enthusiasts want. At Thespo 13, training was the need of the hour. At Thespo 14, we managed to generate a lot of participation from smaller cities. This year, we are looking at participation from new cities and planning to conduct workshops and theatre activities there.”
{{/usCountry}}The organisers are also in talks with some international directors from Australia and Brazil to come and work with young Indian theatre enthusiasts to create short pieces for the festival.
To sign up as a volunteer, send an email to thespo15@thespo.org.