In a new chapter of its commitment to the arts, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi has announced its inaugural theatre festival, marking the institution’s venture into the dynamic world of performing arts. Taking place amidst the historic charm of Sunder Nursery in the capital city, this event aims to explore contemporary theatre’s potential in illuminating the societal issues of our time. With a focus on themes such as class, religion, gender, location, and sexuality, the festival serves as a thoughtful response to the complexities of today’s world.
Kiran Nadar, the visionary behind this venture, emphasized the museum’s mission, stating, “Our goal is to democratize the arts. This theatre festival is a strategic step forward in broadening KNMA’s multidisciplinary approach, building upon our past initiatives like the Legacy Series, Centre Stage Festival, and KNMA in the Park.”
Bengaluru’s own Kirtana Kumar, a renowned actor, director, and filmmaker, has taken on the role of curator for the festival. Her vision is to collect works that not only bring fresh narratives to the stage but also foster dialogues concerning the evolution of theatre in the modern era. “This edition’s emphasis is on contemporary theatre,” Kirtana explained. “I am keen to explore what artists in the subcontinent are expressing within today’s theatrical forms and languages. It’s essential to understand their sources of inspiration, their financial challenges, and the messages they wish to convey.”
The festival’s central theme, ‘The Power of Vulnerability,’ is particularly close to Kirtana’s heart. Having been deeply involved in researching vulnerability within post-colonial contexts, she felt compelled to extend this exploration to the festival’s theme. “Vulnerability can be reimagined as a source of beauty and creativity. Through this festival, I aim to bring attention to plays and voices that often remain on the periphery of the national stage,” she added.
Kicking off the festival is “Beesu Kamsale,” an acrobatic folk performance rooted in the traditions of the Halu Kuruba community from the Mysuru regions.
. This will be followed by “The Nights,” presented by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, offering a puppet-based homage to various interpretations of the Arabian Nights, including those from Syria, China, and India. Additionally, the enchanted world of insects is brought to life in “Enchanted Walk,” another immersive puppet experience from the same group. “Vali Vadha,” adapted from the Aranyakanda of the Ramayana, delves into the tale of the forest-dwelling brothers, Vali and Sugreeva.
Modern dilemmas such as the erosion of privacy and identity are tackled in Mohit Takalkar’s “Love and Information,” which mirrors today’s hyperconnected digital spaces. “Portal Waiting,” by Abhi Tambe, offers an intimate aural-theatre performance that blends storytelling with elements of a rock concert. Meanwhile, “Wepushthesky” by Nisha Abdulla combines song, story, myth, and history to reflect on friendships lost and found.
Savita Rani’s “Notion(s): In Between You & Me” revisits a woman’s personal journey through themes of religion, region, caste, gender, and race in a solo performance. “Talki,” a piece from Bengaluru, unites transwomen over 55 years old, sharing their lived experiences through a mix of fantasy, song, dance, and heartfelt dialogue. “Project Darling” by Dramanon tackles female sexuality amidst censorship and cultural scrutiny, integrating documentary elements with vibrant theatrical forms.
The festival goes further than performances; it serves as a hub for workshops, discussions, and symposiums. These sessions encourage an exchange of ideas among performance theorists, students, and practitioners and include a workshop on transcultural curation. Kirtana Kumar is keen on establishing a robust template for future festivals, integrating community engagement, and ensuring that both audience and artists are aligned with the thematic content. She said, “Creating a blueprint that can be adapted with other themes and curators is essential. The future of art lies in inclusive practices that embrace creative ideas like co-authorship and the value of lived experiences.”
The KNMA Theatre Festival is scheduled to run from October 14 to 20 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, inviting audiences to engage with diverse narratives and innovative performances in a space where past and present converge harmoniously.
