Theatre lovers, camp at NCPA

NCPA Centrestage gives theatre buffs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch a dozen new productions. This, we promise, is a package you won't get to see in a long time

If you intend to reconnect with theatre, we suggest you hop across to the National Centre for Performing Arts right now. To make things easier, we've chalked out an itinerary as well: first up, head to the AV Room to watch archival material that shows stalwart BV Karanth conducting a theatre workshop.


Pune-based theatre group Aasakta's Tichee Satra Prakarne is loosely
based on Martin Crimp's Attempts on her Life

This will be followed by screenings of Sakharam Binder and Shakuntala; then take a break at the refreshment area. A couple of chutney sandwiches over cold coffee should keep you going through the rest of the performances.

Next, head to the Sunken Garden to catch Makrand Deshpande read the story that inspired his latest film Shahrukh Bola Khoobsurat Hai Tu and finally, figure whether you want to watch the Marathi play, Tichee Satra Prakarne or the Hindustani play, Aaj Rang Hai. Yes, the team at NCPA has gone all out to ensure their first-ever theatre festival is a complete experience and you should make the most of it.u00a0

u00a0Until December 5, the NCPA campus will be buzzing with activitiesu00a0-- film screenings, theatre workshops by eminent personalities, outdoor interactions and paid performances. "There are some really good productions across genres, be it a musical, a historical drama or suspense. Whatever Indian theatre is capable of producing is part of the festival. This is a great chance to get an overview of what theatre is all about today," says Deepa Gahlot, NCPA's Head of Programming, Indian theatre.

u00a0Gahlot and her team have had to work very hard to get everything in place for the festival. "We started working on the festival from July onwards and it is gratifying to see theatre groups have their plays ready at such short notice," says Gahlot. Looking at the response the festival has received, Gahlot hopes to make it bigger next year. There are plans to get plays from outside the state, even international productions and put together NCPA's own production. "The idea is to set a paradigm for theatre in the city and if NCPA does not do it, who will?" Well said, Ms Gahlot.

Call 22824567 / 66223724 to book ticketsu00a0