As some productions bid farewell and some greet us for the first time, many plays featuring in August provide a glimpse of the new age and the fragmented communication it has brought upon families, couples and individuals alike, while also shedding light on those who are constantly attempting to keep up with the changing times. Here are our recommendations for the month.
1. Love and Information (English, Haryanvi, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati)
When: Friday - Sunday, 2 - 4 August
Where: Experimental Theatre: NCPA
What: There’s a lot of colour. Metaphorically and literally as well, in Mohit Takalkar’s Love and Information. Caryl Churchill's play examines what it is to find connection in such a technologically advanced era, and this rendition of the play examines these questions within the Indian context. So what you can expect is a microcosm of different stories and experiences. Check it out for the vivid imagery it paints, catch the different media that come together to bring the play to life and perhaps see for yourselves whether this play that was written over a decade ago still holds.
Know More
2. The F Word (English)
When: Friday, 2 August & Sunday, 11 August
Where: Multiple Venues
What: It’s aggravating, it’s dysfunctional, and it makes Unnati and Chetan want to yell, “F***”! But unfortunately, it’s their family, and no matter how estranged they are, when some disturbing news about their father is brought to their notice, the siblings reunite with their old man for a tense dinner. What ensues is a confrontation, one that starts between parent and child and moves on to a space of self reflection. Each character is forced to face their failures, fears, shortcomings and circumstances. Once everyone’s able to move past the blame game, we get a view of what the play boils down to: loving people can sometimes be a strange and complex thing. It’s a tender story with some humour and some moments of “Damn, I wasn’t ready to be called out like that”, interspersed with feelings of “Oh I wish I could go hug my family”.
Know More
3. Mitti Ki Gaadi ( Hindi)
When: Saturday, 3 August 2024
Where: Veda Kunba Theatre
What: Based on the 3rd century Sanskrit classic titled Mricchakatika by Shudraka, this play delves into the authoritarian rule in Ujjaini and the impact it has on the people there; the thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, slaves and outliers. While the play mainly focuses on the love story between a courtesan and a merchant, these other characters draw attention to the uprising that is beginning to brew. Needless to say the story covers various socio-political conversations and it does so using music - a device the director, Sapan Saran, has woven quite beautifully in some of her previous works as well. The production was initially staged as a part of the DSM showcase and continues to feature the students of the in person batch of 2023-2024. Want to witness some young talent fresh out of their training program perform an age old classic? Then make sure you don’t miss this.
Know More
4. Every Brilliant Thing (English)
When: Saturday and Sunday, 3 & 4 August 2024
Where: Multiple Venues
What: These are the last shows ever of a play that seems to have garnered much love over the 5 years it’s been running. Since the show calls for audience participation, every time you watch it, it’s bound to be different. However, there remains one constant – the empathy Vivek Madan brings to the space. It’s with the way he encourages an audience member who has agreed to participate but suddenly finds themselves stuck. In the way he welcomes late comers, responds to reactions the spectators have, or how he swoops in to save the day when an audience member forgets to respond in time. He not only keeps the narrative going, but also makes everyone feel valued in the process. This generosity of his is mirrored by that of the audience. It’s almost as if in the room, kindness is infectious. If this is something you want to experience first hand, then hurry, it’s your very last chance to catch it.
Know More
5. Patra Patri (Marathi)
When: Saturday, 10 August
Where: Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium
What: The world as we know it is constantly changing and shifting. Technology for one is advancing at an unbelievable speed, so is language and so is the notion of what is appropriate and what no longer remains within the confines of 'civilised behavior.' Two old men try to navigate the world around them by exchanging a string of letters. While the play does offer commentary on herd mentality and the ever changing landscape around us, it's primarily about two old men and the camaraderie they share. Catch Dilip Prabhavalkar & Vijay Kenkre in this sweet heartwarming story.
Know More
6. Speak Up For Gaza (Multiple Languages)
When: Saturday, 10 August 2024
Where: Method, Kala Ghoda
What: Method, Kala Ghoda is showcasing an exhibition, 'The Future Will Remember' which very much is an artistic response to the ongoing occupation of Gaza, and on the 10th of August is inviting poets, artists, performers to partake in an open mic performance, where you too can come and share a poem, story or any piece of work in solidarity with Gaza or Palestine
Know More
7. Barricade (Hindi)
When: Friday, 23 August - Sunday, 25 August
Where: Prithvi Theatre
What: Utpal Dutt’s Barricade finds a reprisal in this production of Arpana’s with Sunil Shanbag directing a young talented bunch of performers. The story set in Nazi Germany follows the 1933 elections, the subsequent violence and burning of books. This production is having its opening run just a few months after the Indian Elections, and we’re excited to see what this rendition will make of the current context as well as the text it is making use of.
Know More
8. Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace (English)
When: Sunday, 25 August
Where: Royal Opera House Theatre
What: An adaptation of Emily of Emerald Hill, this play follows the pursuits of Khatija, an orphan, who marries into the Karmali household. From then on she starts vying for the affection of her in-laws and dedicates much of her life to ensure that she is needed. In this strong matriarch lies reflections of anyone who has ever felt lonely, and fought to prove their worth. Jayati Bhatia has a strong commanding presence, and yet is able to convey Khatija’s vulnerability quite exceptionally. If you’re looking for a show with a lot of heart, make sure to catch this one.
Know More
9. Same Same But Different (Hindi, English) When: Friday, 30 August Where: The Studio Theatre, NMACC What: For the most part, coexisting isn’t something that seems to come naturally to many. When we’re all focussed on protecting ourselves from that which threatens the notions we hold dearly, the ‘us and them-ing’ of people, groups and situations becomes inevitable. Same, Same But Different examines the career trajectories of two musicians who come from very different backgrounds. They share with each other stories of their respective journeys, and the performers execute this with such warmth and curiosity. What sets them apart is apparent, yet what brings them together is clear as well – music. It goes without saying that you can buckle up for one enjoyable musical ride with live singing and a band too! Know More