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  • Anushka Ghose

September 2024: Some Tender, Some Tough

Endearing characters, moments of vulnerability, biting political satire and statements. September's line up is like a quilt with a patchwork of different performance. See for yourself what our pick of the month is:

1. A Study of Fear When: Tuesday - Wednesday, 3 & 4 September Where: Prithvi Theatre What: With a tie around his neck, a speech in his pocket and bouquets and incense in hand, Amit heads off to attend his best friend’s funeral. The unexpected passing of a loved one is confusing as it is, even more so when sending them off involves a bunch of customs that you are completely unfamiliar with. At his first Muslim funeral, Amit picks up some new words, the knowledge of some traditions and the ability to confront his own fears and prejudices. In this tender yet hilarious play, director and writer Atif Ally Dagman explores what it means to be scared of the unknown and the role that empathy plays. With elements of magic realism woven in, A Study of Fear proves to be an interesting watch.After receiving the Sultan Padamsee Award for Outstanding Play at Thespo2026, the performance is coming back to the venue for this month’s Thespo at Prithvi.   Know More


2. Kya Act Hai

When: Tuesday - Wednesday, 3 & 4 September Where: Prithvi House What: They say that being involved with the theatre equips one with multiple skills. And they are absolutely right. Public speaking, confidence - the regular stuff aside, theatre makes you attentive, it’s an exercise in understanding, observing, problem solving and more. And since every role in the live performing arts requires you to use multiple skills at the same time - all in all it makes you an amazing multifaceted multitasker. This acting workshop is all about teaching you how to use your voice, body and imagination. So yes, it will hone your acting skills regardless of where you are in your acting journey, but it’s also going to make sure you have some incredible fun for the two days where you will be interacting with the Gitanjali Kulkarni. Know More


3. Des When: Tuesday,10 September Where: Prithvi Theatre What: Set in Delhi, on the cusp of independence, a couple discovers that their differences are larger than they had imagined. A comedic satire, Majumdar’s play focuses on what life during the nascent stages of independence could have looked like and more so it examines whether our ideologies and allegiances to issues of national importance supersedes the personal relationships we cultivate. An exploration which is well thought out and immensely funny at the same time! Irawati Karnik’s performance is strong, dynamic, engaging and had me watching with rapt attention. Know More 4. Far Post

When: 13 September Where: The Studio Theatre, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre What: We meet Postman Aunty who lives right at the border of two war-torn states. Everyday she diligently clocks into work, mounts her cycle and sets out to deliver letters to both sides of the conflict. The letters she delivers speak of loss, of hope and everything in between. Her world is turned upside down when she gets caught up with the souls of two enemy soldiers fallen in battle. The three journey together to the afterlife along with Postman Aunty’s beloved pet goldfish. This vibrant world is brought to life with some beautiful masks, a lovely and simple set design and Yuki Elias’ absolutely stunning performance. She swiftly whips out her masks, and switches characters like it’s child's play. The music composed by Sofiyum, a Lepcha band, really drives home what the play is trying to say. All in all Far Post makes for a magical watch. Know More

5. Barricade When: Wednesday 18, Friday 27 September Where: Rangashila Theatre What: In Nazi Germany, the 1933 elections result in the communist party winning, only they actually don’t get to enjoy the fruits of this victory thanks to the numerous re-elections brought on by the Nazi party. They are also falsely accused by the Nazi’s of having murdered a senior political leader. Written by Utpal Dutt and translated into Hindustani, Arpana Theatre’s rendition of this text draws parallels to what this means for present day India. The show opened just last month, and audiences have enjoyed it so much that they’ve done a fantastic job in spreading the word. The popular consensus seems to be that Sunil Shanbagh’s direction is well paced, seamless  and makes the play incredibly easy and enjoyable to watch. The cast is young and full of talent. Don’t miss this. I surely won't. Know More 6. Jo Dooba So Paar

When: Saturday - Sunday, 28 & 29 September Where: Prithvi Theatre What: Ajitesh Gupta and Mohit Agarwal bring a beautiful tale woven out of anecdotes from the life of Amir Khusrau and Qawallis sung by a cast of extremely talented singers. The Dastangoi is lively, engaging and leaves you feeling as though you’ve been enveloped in warmth. Afterall, it is about the principles of sufism and the belief that love between humankind is essential. Enough has been said about the music of this piece, and audiences who have caught the show before can’t seem to recommend it enough, so maybe give it a shot? Know More

7. The Gentleman’s Club When: Friday - Saturday, 27 & 28 September Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA What: Patchwork Ensemble’s popular show is making a return this month and we couldn't be more excited! The play takes us to  Mumbai’s hottest underground club where drag kings explore and express themselves like never before. Women try to navigate their masculine identities and we’re taken on a ride filled with music and cabaret performances. The show follows the lives of the characters who frequent this club and closely looks at their relationships with themselves. This reprisal has been a much awaited one and we can’t wait to see what’s in store! Know More 8. Ladies Sangeet

When: Saturday - Sunday, 28 & 29 September Where: Prithvi Theatre What: It’s a big fat Indian wedding, and you have the usual culprits at the heart of it - a slightly dysfunctional family. The bride and groom for one seem to be experiencing some cold feet while the rest of the family is preoccupied with making sure the Sangeet is the best one yet. The play is funny and full of energy. Purva Naresh brings to the play some lovely music - characteristic of most of her plays, along with much humour. This drama-comedy does a whole lot more than just tickle the funny bone, Ladies Sangeet also tackles a range of issues with gender stereotyping being at the forefront, and it does so with a lot of honesty. Know More

9. Great Text Readings When: Monday, 30 September Where: Andheri West What: A cozy living room in Andheri, some known faces, some new ones. A script, some biscuits and squash. What else could make the end of the beginning of the week more bearable? We’re not really sure. A participative play reading, free and open to all makes the act of reading a play a lot less lonely. And while the texts are always intriguing, it’s probably the warmth of the community reading them that makes these sessions great. Come be a part of the next one: Crocodile Seeking Refuge.  Know More


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