Hyderabad is all set to host the 19th edition of the iconic Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival. This year’s festival carries a special significance as it is dedicated to Begum Razia Baig, the wife of the legendary theatre figure Qadir Ali Baig, in commemoration of her recent passing this March. Begum Razia played a crucial role in the festival’s establishment and chaired it for nearly two decades. Her son, Mohammad Ali Baig, a well-known actor and theatre personality, curates this year’s festival, which runs from November 6 to 10 at the Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex. “The festival will highlight themes centered around women and motherhood,” Baig comments, paying homage to his mother’s legacy and contributions.
The festival will be a vibrant concoction of diverse theatrical performances, enlightening workshops, and engaging masterclasses conducted by renowned actors, poets, writers, and directors. Kicking off the event will be actor Ashish Vidyarthi’s engaging stand-up comedy show, Vitthal Kaanya. This show is a nod to his famous character from the Hindi film Vaastav and is promised to be a clean act, steering clear of offensive language to ensure an enjoyable experience for all audience members.
Attendees can expect a blend of satire, elegant romance, and dance theatre exploration. Ila Arun and KK Raina shine in Miracle on Matunga Street, an adaptation of Tom Dudzick’s popular comedy-drama Miracle on South Division Street. On another note, the British theatrical group, Wright and Grainger, will grace the stage with Helios, an English production drawing inspiration from an ancient Greek myth, performed in collaboration with the British Council.
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Adding more depth to the festival’s offerings, Nadira Babbar’s play, Farida, provides a lens into a romantic story set against the picturesque backdrop of Kashmir. This compelling narrative comes to us via the esteemed Mumbai-based Ejkute Theatre Group.
The celebration of dance at the festival will see Bengaluru’s Praveen Kumar from Chithkala School of Dance captivating audiences with Thyagaraja Hruth Sadhana, a dance theatre performance marrying traditional elements with contemporary themes. Meanwhile, ACT 24 theatre group presents Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, a Hindi adaptation inspired by Arbuzov’s Russian play Do You Turn Somersaults?, promising to leave a nuanced impact on its viewers.
Fittingly, the festival will reach its conclusion with Mystical Fragrance – An Ode to Motherhood, an emotive English and Urdu poetry session. This special event will bring together the vocal talents of classical singer Zila Khan, alongside Mohammad Ali Baig and the renowned theatre artist Dolly Thakore. They will bring to life the timeless works of celebrated poets like Ali Sardar Jafri, Edgar Allan Poe, and Rudyard Kipling.
Beyond its remarkable lineup, the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival stands out for its dedication to celebrating the contributions of women in the arts and acknowledging the vital roles they play both on and off the stage. The thematic focus on women this year is especially poignant given the dedication to Begum Razia Baig. Her legacy lives not only through the festival but in the enrichment of theatre culture overall. As the curtains rise, Hyderabad eagerly awaits the magic, messages, and memories that will unfold over these five vibrant days.
Published – October 29, 2024, 04:22 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
Hyderabad
entertainment (general)
