What do Patrick Hamilton, Charlotte Bronte, Shakespeare and Harold Pinter have in common? They will all share the limelight with students at Ithaka, the annual theatre festival at St Xavier's College
What do Patrick Hamilton, Charlotte Bronte, Shakespeare and Harold Pinter have in common? They will all share the limelight with students at Ithaka, the annual theatre festival at St Xavier's College
Ithaka stand for the capital of the kingdom of Odysseus, the great thinker, and a name synonymous with adventure and struggles. For theatre enthusiasts, Ithaka stands for St Xavier's College's annual theatre festival, which started back in 1990-1991 by poet and novelist, Dr Eunice D' Souza, who headed the English department back then. 
A student performs a short skit as part of activities organised under Ithaka
Shefali Balsari Shah, the present department head, can't imagine a more appropriate name for the event that, she describes as, "an occasion for students to celebrate their intellectual journey."
Initially conceptualised as a project that would benefit the students of the English department, Ithaka, Shah says proudly, "has, over the years, grown into a major festival that draws the participation of students from almost all our departments." Offering an example she says, "One of the contestants in the poetry slam was a BSc student.
And this year, some of the actors are BMM and BSc students." To ensure that all literature enthusiasts, irrespective of whatever subjects they've elected to study formally, can participate in the festival, the college has also initiated acting and directing workshops.
"The workshops have been made possible because of the tremendous support of Quasar Padamsee (who, incidentally, is an alumnus of the college) and his company, Q Theatre Productions," informs Shah.
From December 13 to 16, the festival will showcase theatre presentations, including Patrick Hamilton's Gaslight, Charlotte Bronte's Vilette, a burlesque production of Shakespeare's works and Harold Pinter's Hothouse.
"The setting will mimic that of an amphitheatre. We hope to create an intimacy between the actors and audience," Shah says, adding, "Though with no curtains and a crowd surrounding the stage, the producers face an interesting challenge."
Ithaka Schedule
December 13
3 pm-4 pm: Villette
4.45 pm-5.45 pm: Hothouse
6.30 pm-7.30 pm: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
December 14
3.30 pm-4.30 pm: Gaslight
December 15
3.30 pm-4.30 pm: Hothouse
December 16
3 pm-4 pm: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
4.45 pm-5.45 pm: Villette
6.30 pm-7.30 pm: Gaslight
7.30 pm onwards: Open Mic (audience gets to participate too; registering beforehand is encouraged)
Till December 16 at St Xavier's College, Dhobi Talao. To book tickets, mail your contact details and choice of show to publicity.ithaka10@gmail.com. Tickits Rs 35
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