The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), a renowned institution for its dedication to diverse artistic endeavours, is marking a new chapter with the introduction of its first-ever theatre festival. Situated in New Delhi, this initiative signifies KNMA’s broader engagement with the performing arts, supplementing its existing array of multidisciplinary artistic expressions. The festival will unfurl in Sunder Nursery, a historic and picturesque locale in the heart of India’s capital, offering audiences not just theatrical performances, but a deeply immersive cultural experience.
The festival is particularly poised to highlight contemporary theatre as a medium for reflecting and addressing societal vulnerabilities such as class, religion, gender, and sexuality. This edition of the theatre festival is a conscious effort to use the arts as a lens to examine and dialogue about these poignant and often challenging themes. Kiran Nadar, the museum’s visionary founder, expressed, “The aim is to make arts accessible. The theatre festival is the next step in strengthening KNMA’s multidisciplinary programming, building on initiatives such as Legacy Series, Centre Stage Festival, and KNMA in the Park.”
At the artistic helm of this festival is Bengaluru-based actor, director, and filmmaker Kirtana Kumar, who has undertaken the role of curator. With a keen desire to highlight contemporary voices and diverse narratives, Kumar aims to create a platform that encourages robust discussions and explorations in theatre-making today. “The focus this time is contemporary theatre because I am interested in knowing what artistes in the subcontinent are saying in the contemporary metier — what theatrical forms and languages they are exploring and what issues excite them,” she stated.
The festival will open dramatically with Beesu Kamsale, an acrobatic folk art associated with the men of the Halu Kuruba community from the Mysuru region.
. This will be succeeded by The Nights, a puppet spectacle by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, drawing on Syrian, Chinese, and Indian versions of Arabian Nights. Audiences can also look forward to an enchanting puppet adventure with the Enchanted Walk, which promises a delightful exploration of nature’s marvels.
A host of other innovative performances will populate the festival schedule, each bringing their unique flair and narrative. Mohit Takalkar’s Love and Information will capture the essence of modern-day communication and its impact on human emotions, while Portal Waiting by Abhi Tambe bridges storytelling with a rock music performance. Wepushthesky by Nisha Abdulla is another riveting solo performance that interlaces song, story, and myth to explore enduring friendships.
The festival will also feature a plethora of performances that resonate with personal and collective experiences—Notion(s): In Between You & Me, a solo act by Savita Rani delves into complex personal journeys through the realms of religion, caste, and gender. Another significant highlight is Project Darling by Dramanon from Bengaluru, an amalgamation of documentary elements and theatrical artistry to navigate themes of female sexuality amidst cultural censorship.
In addition to remarkable performances, the festival will comprise workshops, a lecture demonstration, and a symposium to facilitate discussions among theorists, students, and practitioners. These interactive sessions aim to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamics of transcultural curation in the arts.
The KNMA Theatre Festival, spanning from October 14 to 20, signifies more than just a series of performances—it embodies an innovative approach to contemporary issues through creative expression. As the festival showcases a variety of voices and art forms, it hopes to build a sustainable template that could inform future events and collaborations, fostering an inclusive and vibrant arts community in India’s capital city.
