The first segment features a colourful presentation of a dozen diverse folk forms from Medinipur. The second part, Aranya Purush, is a theatre production deeply inspired by folk traditions. This play combines dance, music and drama to portray the profound relationship between humanity and nature, exploring themes of identity, survival and harmony with the natural […]

A darkly comic thriller adapted into Hindi from Anthony Shaffer’s celebrated two-hander Sleuth, directed by Shubhrajyoti Barat. Part of the Ami Arts Festival.  

Written by Shib Mukhopadhyay as his second dramatization of the epic, this time concentrating on the Udyoga Parva. Directed by Arna Mukhopadhyay. Recommended: ★★★★. Read my review.

A collection of theatre songs delivered and linked by Datt and his accompanists. The songs formed part of different productions from his early days at National School of Drama to his career as actor, writer, director and composer. The performance features perfectly-timed humour, satire and shared anecdotes from his experiences. Part of Ami Arts Festival.

Utpal Dutt’s classic play, directed by Suman Mukhopadhyay. Recommended: ★★★★ Read my review.

Inspired by Daphne Du Maurier’s “The Blue Lenses” , Indrashis Laharry's Bengali adaptation is a comedy of illusions revolving around a blind lady who regains her eyesight after an operation. As the bandages are removed, she sees everything – or, rather, everyone – entirely differently; every human face appears to be that of an animal. […]

Ujjwal Chattopadhyay’s play inspired by the American film The Judge (2014) about the personal conflict between a retired judge and his son who defends criminals. Directed by Meghnad Bhattacharya.

Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s magical story about Gaur, who loves to play the flute, and is loved by the ancient folk in his village, threatened by the arrival of a man who wants to take over everything. Dramatized and directed by Suman Sengupta. Recommended: ★★★★. Read my review.

Inspired by Steve Metzger’s awardwinning children’s book Pluto Visits Earth!, the story of a tiny planet but also a beautiful wish that grants love, rejoices in friendship and finds hope in remembering who we actually are. Dramatized by Kallol Lahiri and Alekhya Ghosh, set in Kolkata, and directed by Anamitra Khan. Recommended: ★★★★ Read my […]

A musical drama by Shukla Banerjee and group, which revives the legacy of Awadh’s courtesans through Kathak, Thumri and ghazals. Set in 1881 Kolkata, the play follows an ageing courtesan as she recounts her life, bringing to light a culture of resilience, refinement and resistance in a forgotten world of silken veils, haunting music and […]