Expanding its multidisciplinary footprint, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi is venturing into the realm of performing arts with its first-ever theatre festival. Hosted at the historic Sunder Nursery, nestled in the heart of India’s capital, this curated event scrutinizes the contemporary theatre scene as a mirror reflecting today’s societal challenges. It explores the nuanced dimensions of class, religion, gender, sexuality, and geographical identity—all of which resonate powerfully in modern dialogues.
KNMA Chairperson Kiran Nadar elaborated on the museum’s vision, stating, “Our objective has always been to democratize the arts, making them accessible to a broader audience. This theatre festival is the progression of KNMA’s multi-disciplinary efforts, building on initiatives like the Legacy Series, Centre Stage Festival, and KNMA in the Park.” This expansion into theatre marks another chapter in the museum’s commitment to fostering diverse artistic expressions.
Crafted under the keen eye of Kirtana Kumar, a Bengaluru-based actor, director, and filmmaker, the festival’s curation seeks to stir vibrant conversations surrounding contemporary theatre. “This year’s focus gravitates towards the contemporary, as I am eager to understand the narratives artists across the subcontinent are weaving. What themes and issues captivate their imaginations? What stories are they driven to tell? Where do their inspirations come from?” Kirtana shared her insights, driven by an intellectual curiosity about the theatrical expressions prevalent today.
The thematic focus of the festival is poignantly titled ‘The Power of Vulnerability,’ a concept close to Kirtana’s academic pursuits. She elucidated, “I have been examining the notion of vulnerability within the contexts of post-colonialism and theatrical spaces. The festival aims to celebrate vulnerability as a catalyst for beauty and creativity. It’s a beacon for plays and ideas that might not always command national attention.”
The festival raises its curtains with Beesu Kamsale, an acrobatic folk performance centered on the Halu Kuruba community from the Mysuru region, offering viewers a glimpse into cultural traditions. Following this is The Nights by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, a reverential nod to the timeless tales of Arabian Nights, brought to life through the enchanting medium of puppetry. Audiences can also immerse themselves in the magical world of Enchanted Walk, another puppet spectacle by the group that promises a journey through a whimsical insect-laden wonderland.
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A homage to ancient texts, Vali Vadha presents a tale from the Ramayana, highlighting the poignant narrative of vanara brothers Vali and Sugreeva. In contrast, Mohit Takalkar’s Love and Information moves at the brisk pace of modern media consumption, exploring themes like memory degradation, privacy concerns, and emotional disconnection. Portal Waiting by Abhi Tambe invites audiences into an intimate auditory experience that blurs the lines between storytelling and a rock concert. Meanwhile, Nisha Abdulla’s solo endeavor, Wepushthesky, intricately weaves songs and stories to explore enduring friendships.
Further, Notion(s): In Between You & Me by Savita Rani presents a devised solo act that navigates through themes of religion, gender, and race. Project Darling by Dramanon from Bengaluru amalgamates narrative arts with multimedia elements, shedding light on female sexuality under societal and cultural scrutiny. Through fantastical elements, Talki by a collective of transwomen over 55, shares personal stories of love and survival, featuring activists and community leaders. Juxtaposing these narratives, Before Your Eyes portrays the stark realities of caste and gender-based violence, co-devised by Freeda and Maraa.
In this ambitious venture, Kirtana remains forward-thinking. “The key is to create a sustainable model that can evolve with new themes and curators. We aim to forge a strong community bond, linking themes with audience and artist engagement. Contemporary relevance is inherently democratic, embracing innovation in co-authorship and valuing lived experiences,” she concluded.
Complementing the performances, the festival also offers workshops, lecture demonstrations, and symposiums, promoting dialogue among theorists, students, and practitioners. Notably, one session focuses on transcultural curation, broadening the festival’s educational scope.
The KNMA Theatre Festival runs from October 14 to 20 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, promising a thought-provoking exploration of theatre’s role in modern society.
