Expanding its horizons in the realm of multi-disciplinary art expression, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), based in New Delhi, is stepping into performing arts by launching its first-ever theatre festival. This inaugural event is set to take place at the historic Sunder Nursery, nestled in the heart of India’s capital. With a keen focus on contemporary theatre, the festival aims to address pressing societal issues such as class disparities, religious conflicts, gender dynamics, sexual identity, and geographical divides.
Kiran Nadar, the founder and driving force behind KNMA, elucidated the museum’s vision, stating, “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.” She emphasized the importance of diversifying KNMA’s artistic offerings to reach a broader audience and provoke thought and dialogue on diverse societal themes.
The festival curator, Bengaluru-based actor, director, and filmmaker Kirtana Kumar, expressed her desire to present plays that not only explore fresh material but also stimulate discussions on contemporary playwriting and production. “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,” Kirtana shared. “How do they create, where is the money, what is their inspiration, what do they wish to express,” she added, voicing her enthusiasm for the project.
With “The Power of Vulnerability” as its curatorial theme, Kirtana, who has extensively studied vulnerability within post-colonial contexts and theatrical practices, seeks to uncover and celebrate the beauty and creativity inherent in vulnerability. “To reframe vulnerability as a thing of beauty and creativity. I wanted to invite people, plays, ideas, and forms that don’t always get national attention,” she explained, highlighting the festival’s mission to bring underrepresented voices and narratives to the forefront.
The festival will be inaugurated by Beesu Kamsale, an acrobatic folk tradition rooted in the Halu Kuruba community from the Mysuru region, illustrating the rich tapestry of regional performance arts. Among other performances, The Nights by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust will present an imaginative adaptation of the Arabian Nights, amalgamating Syrian, Chinese, and Indian interpretations through the medium of puppetry. Meanwhile, Enchanted Walk invites audiences into a captivating world of insects, blending storytelling with puppetry.
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Reflecting the frenetic nature of modern digital consumption, Love and Information by Mohit Takalkar deals with themes like memory erosion, privacy invasion, alienation, and the loss of authentic emotion. Abhi Tambe’s Portal Waiting combines storytelling and music in an auditory theatre format, while Nisha Abdulla’s Wepushthesky interweaves songs, narratives, mythology, and history, focusing on the resilience and complexity of relationships.
Adding to the diverse lineup, Notion(s): In Between You & Me by Savita Rani presents a solo performance that navigates through the intricate intersections of personal identity, influenced by religion, caste, region, gender, and race. This is complemented by Talki, a production showcasing transwomen from Bengaluru — those who have lived through love, struggle, and the pursuit of dignity.
Project Darling, crafted by the Bengaluru-based Dramanon, explores femininity and sexuality within the socio-cultural confines of censorship, utilizing multimedia elements such as documentary footage alongside traditional theatre practices like clowning and puppetry. Similarly, Before Your Eyes, shaped by the creative minds of Freeda and Maraa’s members, presents a visceral exploration of experiences pertaining to caste and gender-based violence.
For its storytelling prowess, the festival also incorporates local narratives with Bhaagi Hui Ladkiyan by Aagaaz Repertory, capturing everyday life in Delhi’s Nizamuddin Basti. Furthermore, Be-Loved brings to life tales of queer love through an amalgam of theatre, music, poetry, and movement, adding another layer to the inclusive narratives presented.
Kirtana Kumar has set her sights on establishing a sustainable framework for future editions of the festival. She expressed, “How do we create a rock-solid template that will be possible to replicate with other themes and curators in the future? How do we draw the community in and join the dots between the theme and both audience and artistes?” Underlining the significance of democratic creative processes and the inclusion of lived experiences in artistic endeavors, she remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment.
The KNMA Theatre Festival does not merely showcase performances. It also features a variety of workshops, lectures, and a symposium designed to engage performance theorists, students, and practitioners in critical discussions. Highlights include a session on transcultural curation, offering insights into the melding of diverse cultural narratives within the arts.
Scheduled to unfold from October 14 to 20, the KNMA Theatre Festival positions itself as a transformative artistic venture, inviting audiences to engage with contemporary theatrical works that reflect and challenge modern societal issues.
