Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

A faceless groupfie

A group of young girls try out a dab in a group picture at a public park in Govandi

Ticket to the Big Apple

The Last Poet, a cyber theatre act directed by interdisciplinary artiste Amitesh Grover was a product of the pandemic that highlights our collective fears and the times we live in. After showing at many prestigious festivals, The Last Poet will now head to Segal Center Film Festival on Theatre & Performance 2022, New York. "We have presented the play in Mumbai, Goa and recently, in Canada. This selection marks our US premiere. It was originally a live show and now, it exists as a film, too. We're thrilled that this is the first time that it will be premiering as a film," Grover told this diarist, adding "There's also a 3D immersive experience curated for our viewers; I'm happy that this new format is being recognised." Those keen to register for the upcoming screening can head to
@segalcenter on Instagram.

For the love of Lavani

Akanksha Kadam in Sangeet Bari. Pic/Kunal Vijayakar

Just like how audiences have missed live shows for two years, dancers, performers and theatre practitioners have bitterly missed the stage. As Sangeet Bari, a Kali Billi production that portrays stories about traditional Lavani artistes, returns with their first show at Prithvi Theatre after a year-long pause, writer Bhushan Korgaonkar said, "It feels amazing to be able to perform live after so long. Sadly, the government allows only 50 per cent attendance at theatres and cinema halls. That's a bit challenging, but we decided to go ahead, nonetheless."

Bhushan Korgaonkar

Korgaonkar tells this diarist that he wishes viewers will come for the show and relive the magic of Lavani as a dance form. The performance involves artistes such as Pushpa Satarkar, Akanksha Kadam, Latabai Waikar, Chandrakant Lahe, among others. About her experience of being back on the stage, Kadam shared, "I have butterflies in my stomach. It is a happy kind of nervousness. We staged Sangeet Bari in March 2021, and so after a year, I feel nervous. But, I'm sure we will charm our audiences all over again. Lavani requires a lot of energy; the performance can't feel dull even for a minute. We have rehearsed a lot and I hope to keep that energy going on stage."

Dongri's very own comedy queen

Stand-up comic Sumaira Shaikh's first comedy special, Dongri Danger, releases today for an OTT audience, and she promises to be less dangerous and more humorous. Shaikh shared with this diarist, "I have been planning this show since 2016, but it came together during the lockdowns. I would like to thank all those who attended my digital shows; so much of my material fell in place because of those sessions." While Shaikh was thankful to the entire team of Dongri Danger for condensing the content into one whole at a short notice, she added that comedian Sumukhi Suresh directed her special only because she bullied her and kept saying, "Aye, kar de na please please!" This diarist was told that Suresh feared ruining the show, but Shaikh feels it's gone perfectly well, and now audiences should show some love.

It's finally happening!

At last, the folks at BACARDI NH7 Weekender have confirmed the dates for this year's edition of the multi-city event. Mumbai fans can head to Pune on March 27 and 28. Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director, Nodwin Gaming, the firm that organises the event, shared, "The Mahalaxmi lawns [Pune] will see electrifying performances by some of India's best musicians.

We'll officially announce the line-up soon. Organising a mega festival at a time like this isn't easy, but our team has pulled all stops." Rathee assured that 360-degree COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed, and the 11 shortlisted venues will have something special for every kind of audience.

Celebrating periods

Participants at an ealier fest

An annual event held by Thane-based Muse Foundation celebrates menstruation through a festival called Maasika Mahotsav in March. Nehali Jain (in pic), who helms the menstrual health management wing at the foundation, shared: "Inhibitions with regard to periods exist in villages and cities. Our interest is in listening to these ideas with an open mind and encouraging a curiosity for change through science. This edition will be held in the slums of Turbhe and Thane."

Jain added that men and women sing and dance to question bizarre beliefs evident across India, like how women don't wash their hair or touch green leafy vegetables during their period. For details, check @musefoundationwts on Instagram.