A rare chance to watch a master up close as he works through his magic. Taleem with grammy nominated sitarist Ustad Shujaat Khan is a powerful re-establishment of the fundamentals of Hindustani classical music. The development of a raag will be deconstructed and then effortlessly woven back in a vivid illustration of the intricacies of the genre. Ustad Shujaat Khan, the seventh-generation scion of the Imdad...(more) Khani Gharana, is also a specialist in the gayaki ang - a style of playing the sitar that mimics the sound of human voice. A departure from the concert format, this intimate recital presents a fascinating journey into the oldest form of Indian music to exist. This program was enabled by the support of the Jaquar Group. For ages: 14 and above.
Acclaimed actor Danish Husain comes together with renowned vocalist Vidya Shah to create a musical evening remembering Begum Akhtar. Interspersed with anecdotes from the Begum's life, Shah draws inspiration from her own training under Akhtar's disciple, Shanti Hiranand to represent Akhtar's work in different musical genres. Renowned for the stirring cadence in her voice, Akhtari Bai Faizalabadi gave up a gl...(more)amorous career in hindi cinema to pursue a life immersed in Indian classical music. Thereafter, she amassed an extensive repertoire of thumris, ghazals and dadras to her name. Husain and Shah collaborate to tell Begum Akhtar's story in the way they have understood her - as a musical enchantress, a heartbroken lover or a wife in search of acceptance. For ages 16 and above.
Dramatic readings of two classic stories in the original text, then a bridge language - so that audiences can enjoy the cadence of the source language while being able to access its content. Acclaimed actor and dastango Danish Husain will enact the trials and tribulations of the arab hero Amir Hamza in a theatrical narration of Muhammad Husain Jah's Tilism-e-Hoshruba. Saattvic will follow with the story of ...(more)the composition of the Natyashastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts, and the difficulties that arose when the world's first play was made. For ages 16 and above.
Ashwath Bhatt, a Mumbai-based screen and stage artist, decodes the enigma and idiosyncrasies of Manto, in the guise of Manto himself. A cultivated resemblance in physicality and mannerisms makes this a memorable solo performance. Correlating his writing with the political climate of the time, this performance follows Manto as he contemplates his journey, changing mindsets, family life and poetry before an a...(more)udience. Produced by Maneesh Verma. For ages 16 & above.
A wandering warrior arrives in a strange little town that has been under the monstrous rule of a Rakshas. What follows is a fantastical fable of adventure and triumph brought to life by the actors of the Tadpole Repertory, Delhi. Based on Yevgeny Schwarz's 1943 play The Dragon, the performance is reminiscent of wondrous childhood bedtime stories while retaining a mature undertone of self aware humour. Colou...(more)rful creatures and characters populate this theatrical spectacle that prompts audiences to reflect on the 'Rakshas' that lives within us all. Directed by Bikram Ghosh and supported by the India Foundation for the Arts Fund. For ages 12 and above.
A tongue-in-cheek retelling of the story of Aravan from the epic 'Mahabharata'. Contemporary dialogues characteristic of Tahira Nath's writing, merge with an ancient and little known mythological tale in this boisterous comedy complete with its own dance numbers. Set against the backdrop of trans folk journeying to Koovagam for a grand celebration, the plot follows young Aravan in search of his father, (the...(more) great Pandava warrior Arjuna) and the unique challenge he faces one night. The performance draws on forms like Odissi, Karagattam, and Kalaripayattu, accompanied by lively soundtrack of Tamil folk music. Directed by Amey Mehta. For ages 16 & above.