Event Collections

A theatrical adaptation of Saadat Hasan Manto’s story Shaheed – Saaz is a sharp satirical look at the post partition era when people were swayed with the idea of sacrifice and martyrdom even as they struggled to adapt to a new national identity. The immense loss of life and property resulted in poor migrants living at the mercy of charity. And yet few shrewd businessmen profited from this, painting their profiteering with the colors of supreme sacrifice and martyrdom. Set in 1948 the story is about the journey of one such Punjabi migrant from Kathiawad, Gujarat in India to Lahore in Pakistan.  Belonging to the class of ‘Baniyas’ the man, who had a successful business of cocaine in Kathiawad, Gujarat, travels to Pakistan in search of setting up a new big business in his newly formed homeland.  Working hard to build his empire and multiply his wealth, he is suddenly struck by a misplaced angst that he had neglected doing any charitable work since his arrival here. He starts searching for that one charitable act which will earn him his place in heaven. But nothing seems worthy of his benevolence as he travels through the length and breadth of the city and shares his experiences after interacting with people of all types and classes. Come and witness the sheer magic of Manto's writing.Read More

“Ishtihaar” conceived and compiled by Deevas Gupta is a collection of three different short stories by Manto stitched together via poetry freshly written by Deevas himself. The whole experience of the blunt narration of Manto and the satirical tone of poetry will not only teleport you to the times these stories were written in but will also make you realise how relevant these themes are even today. Although he is mostly remembered for his most controversial stories yet there were many more flavours in his stories which are very less often discussed. Ishtihaar attempts to bring different flavours of Saadat Hasan Manto and bring his favourite characters to life through the art of storytelling.Read More

A modern retelling of Homer's ancient tale of the Trojan War, accompanied by a live score. The timeless power of storytelling brings to life this gripping adaptation of Homer’s classic. A lone poet on an open stage throws us right into the midst of conflict where heroes and countries clash in a quest for power and glory. In this vibrant retelling, the Trojan War and present day are set side by side as ancient history is catapulted into an intense, intimate, and at times funny, story for today.Read More

A high concept drama wherein, Feroza and Aditya, a couple in a country ruled by a fascist regime, embark on a quest to unravel life’s meaning, love, and politics. The story delves into their relationship non-linearly, as a strict law limits daily word usage to 140. Feroza, a public prosecutor, and Aditya, a music artist, struggle to communicate amid the law’s anxieties, questioning if they can overcome the chaos in their dynamics. The play explores the politics of love between a man and a woman, confronts an activist and a state representative, and challenges the privileges in engaging with marginalized struggles. The totalitarian law’s impact on society and individual minds is evident, prompting an inquiry into the true meaning of “personal is political”. Through Aditya and Feroza’s flawed relationship, the play reflects the fragmented reality of contemporary times.Read More

Patigalum Pazhamozhigalum (Old ladies and proverbs) is a comedy excerpted from the book by Shanmugam. The jester part of the play is scripted by Naseer, the actor. The play is set up at a ‘thinnai’ (verandah) that are commonly found in the village houses where the witty old ladies gather around for their everyday chit-chat on world matters. Male actors are dressed up as old women in this play, singing five songs by the famous cross-gender artist O Mutthumaari. This unconventional comedy requires audience interaction.Read More

Urmila was the sister of Sita, princesses born to King Janaka of Mithila, while Sita was famed for her beauty and charm, Urmila, no less lovely, was known for her calm. When Sita wed Rama of Ayodhya, Urmila wed his brother, Lakshmana. Lakshmana was so devoted to Rama and Sita that he followed them into exile for fourteen years, leaving Urmila behind. To serve them in their waking hours and guard them in their sleep, he begged for the boon of sleeplessness- for fourteen years! On their first night of exile, the sleep goddess appeared before Lakshmana and offered him that boon on the condition that someone else had to slumber for fourteen years in his stead. Lakshmana unhesitatingly nominated Urmila and she joyfully accepted that task of sleeping for fourteen years to allow her beloved husband to serve Rama and Sita with full devotion. Hearing of Urmila’s unparalleled sacrifice, known as Urmila Nidra, Sita proclaimed that no one else would match Urmila’s fate because she was the embodiment of devotion and selflessness, a true example of love and sacrifice, for all to witness.Read More

This musical dastaan traces the life of Ameer Khusrau, weaving interesting talks and anecdotes in the format of a Dastangoi. The journey reveals how this talented child, Yameenuddin (Khusrau’s childhood name), grew into the legendary Ameer Khusrau. The dastaan throws light on his priceless contribution to literature, music, and culture, and his relationship with his ever-so-special Guru – Nizamuddin Auliya. The anecdotes and stories, woven in a dastaan, accompanied by live Qawwali, give insight into the essence of Sufism and the importance of the eternally relevant message of love among humans. The dastaan is accompanied by live music and Qawwali to transport the viewer into the 12th century.Read More

Is Family Man the most unrecognised superhero? Well, comedian Praveen Kumar thinks so! Family Man Returns is Praveen Kumar’s sequel to his hit stand-up show Mr.Family Man (available on Amazon Prime). From the trials of watching children’s movies to the horrors of house hunting, from the challenge of school admissions to the shock of becoming a boomer - it’s a wild ride. With guaranteed laughter! Praveen Kumar is one of India’s leading standup comedians. With 15 million views on his YouTube page. He was also seen as a judge on the hit comedy property Comicstaan. The show is clean and open to the whole family.Read More

Fernando and his Grandmother is a play based on the life of the well known Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa. An intriguing literary figure from the 20th century, Pessoa is called the “Endlessly Multiple” poet because of the many heteronyms that he  invented. These heteronym figures were not merely pen names but whole fictional entities with individual biographies and distinctive styles of writing.Read More

Have you ever felt that your school education was an utter waste of time? We are sure you have! Refund is an audacious play of a middle-aged man who confronts his school principal that he is a failure in life and now is seeking a refund from his school for the time and money they wasted. Come and watch this rib tickling comedy.Read More