Previous Events

Over two days, Aditi Mangaldas will lead participants through an exploration of the spine and its critical role in forging dynamic movement in a physical space. Over decades, Ms. Mangaldas has pioneered the expanded vocabulary of movement in Kathak and the interpretation of a dancing body across dimensions. Each day will begin with a 6-hour masterclass employing nritta sequences in vilambit, madhya and drut laya; followed by an informal conversation, where she will share her ideas on the spectrum of tradition and modernity in Indian dance as well as her process of creation and choreography. Additionally, participants will be able to attend the Baithak on May 24th curated by her, as well as the performance of 10x10 by the Drishtikon Repertory on 25th May. Participants should be proficient in kathak. Ages: 16 and above.

Easy Wanderlings is a 5 member group whose music has shades of ambient pop, soul and folk; they describe themselves as a musical journal rather than a band. A nostalgic amalgamation of inspirations and memories their lyrical themes are reminiscent of lazy Sundays spent at home or campfires in the wilderness. Their upbeat tunes and light vocals are supported by an array of instruments ranging from the flute and violin generating an atmospheric classical sound coupled with keys and acoustic guitar. Percussion is used in an unexpected manner which gives the music folk-style undertones. Beginning in 2015, the band has toured extensively and their music has the ability to envelop every space be it a small cafe or a large music festival.

Bringing together adventure, comedy, romance and satire, Rakshas is a tale of folklore and fantasy. In a faraway land, under a grey mountain at the edge of a forest near a lake, there is a small town just like any other. Unbeknownst to the world, these townspeople carry a big secret: for hundreds of years, they have lived under the rule of a monster - a 'Rakshas'. One day, a young hero named Veera stumbles upon this town, and takes it upon herself to free the townsfolk. With the odds stacked against her, Veera prepares to battle the Rakshas and rescue the town, whether they like it or not. A space that bewilders and mystifies the audience sets the stage for the ensemble cast to generate light and sound live. The Tadpole Repertory brings to you an innocent story of a people struggling to decipher the worth of their freedom. A spectacle to behold, there is something in here for everyone. For ages 13 and above.

A four day workshop from April 23rd-26th. Improvisation or Improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are created in the moment. It’s also the art of performing without knowing what you are going to do ahead of time. The participants will practice and learn to play with spontaneity and trust their own impulses through techniques based on the methodology of British-Canadian pioneer of improvisational theatre, Keith Johnstone. Open to newcomers as well as theatre practitioners, the 3-hour sessions will enable participants to connect scenes and build a narrative structure using relationships, characters, status and emotions concluding with performances applying both short and long form improvisations. For ages 16 and above.

A multi-arts experience that combines live rock music with visual arts and sound & light design to tell the story of New Delhi. With music composed by Anirban Ghosh and Sumant Balakrishnan this show explores the Indian condition as it stands presently. The poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi, Majaz, Nazir Akbarabadi and Baba Nagarjuna amongst other original texts add richness to the compositions. Archival footage is woven together to tell stories of urban people and the landscapes they inhabit; the poetry and music further underscore the larger narrative of survival in a changing political climate. For ages 16 and above.

Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter. On their Delhi leg they will be presenting eleven short films by international film-makers focusing on social justice and environmental concerns. Anecdotes about the filmmakers' journeys make for rich introductions to the subject. Mountainfilm aims to inspire audiences to action on worthy causes, by travelling year-round and worldwide with a selection of current and best-loved films from the Telluride archives. Donor passes available here. Foreign language films include subtitles. For ages 16 and above. This event is supported by Boulderbox.

Two artists with diverse training and influences come together to present an evening of culturally rich symphonies. Mexican flautist Nathalie Ramirez and Indian guitarist Shyamant Behal perform classical and contemporary music from Europe and South America interspersed with stories that lie behind their creation. Nathalie, who was drawn to India by her interest in Hindustani classical music is trained in Hindustani vocals and the Indian bansuri (bamboo flute) in tandem with the traverse flute. Conversely, Shyamant Behal learned the Classical guitar in Delhi and went to France to deepen his training in the instrument where further explorations led him to the sounds of South America. Together, their repertoire presents an exciting confluence of melody. For ages: 16 years and above.

The Barmer Boys, a trio of next generation torch bearers of Rajasthani Manganiar music, will be presenting an afternoon encore performance. Characterised by their guttural baritones, they interweave soulful Sufi kalaams with celebratory Sindhi folk tunes. Prepare for an informal afternoon session with these Manganiar musicians as they fold their rich heritage into a live performance . For ages 16 and above.

Songbird Sessions #7 will feature two distinct performances by Lifafa & Dee En. The opening act is Dee En, who will be previewing songs from their upcoming record, Poppin Ep’ set to release on 18 March 2019. Their characteristic sweet melodies overlaid with electronica are performed amid a splash of colours. Following Dee En, Lifafa - the solo electronic project of PCRC frontman Suryakant Sawhney - will perform tracks from his latest album, Jaago. The music combines melancholic vocals with a frenzied pace of electronic sound. The light design silhouettes his form and a voice emanates from an obscure darkened figure almost akin to a demonic summoning. Lights provoke an ominous atmosphere in which to feel the tenor of the music. // Songbird Sessions is an intimate concert series curated and produced by the folks at Pagal Haina in association with Oddbird Theatre & Foundation. The endeavour is simple, to put the focus firmly back on the artist and the performance. Collaborating with artists from the independent music scene, these sessions aim to break down the barriers between stage and seats, artist and audiences, providing an in-depth exchange and a live music experience like no other.

The Barmer Boys are a trio of next generation torch-bearers of Rajashtani Manganiyar music. Characterised by their guttural baritones, they interweave soulful Sufi kalaams with celebratory Sindhi folk tunes. Manganiars are a muslim community of hereditary musicians who trace their ancestry to the Rajput kingdoms. Retaining this medieval tradition, the Barmer Boys generate a rustic, earthy sound with familiar, foot-tapping melodies. For ages 16 and above.

Relationships whether between people, with ideas, or with ourselves, bring meaning to our intertwined existence. Explore this complexity & richness through solo performances of timeless hindustani short stories. In Premchand's 'Bade Bhaisahab', two brothers are up in arms against each other and the education system. Kamleshwar's 'Story' looks at the self and the other through the eyes of a seasoned journalist. And finally, in Asad Mohammad Khan's 'Mai Dada', a pathan named Abdul Majid Khan Yusuf Zai makes us question the idea of identity. With no sets or props, this is theatre at its simplest and purest, where the story is king & imagination reigns supreme. For ages 16 and above.

OddLab is an initiative to make experimental pieces accessible to curious audiences. "Becoming" by Samara Chopra, is an ongoing enquiry and search for a form. Potential formations emerge only in passing. Slight shifts move breath and muscle. A desire to not be positioned fuels the piece, while navigating inner impulse and outward manifestations. The body as movement is understood to be crucial to the understanding of Self. This piece occurs in two twenty minute loops. The second piece, "Cat's Cradle" follows with a single rope hung from the ceiling, wherein two bodies leverage each other's weight to form knots and patterns. One's focus is drawn to the movement of the rope in an almost hypnotic exercise. Both works of contemporary dance were conceived in 2018, with critical feedback and support by Gati Dance Forum. This evening contains mature content and is open strictly to ages 18 and above.