July 2018

ON Stagevolume 7 • issue 12 VIVIAN LIFF, GEORGE STUART AND THEIR INCREDIBLE GIFT TO THE NCPA

CHATURANG KI CHAUPAL Kathak on the Chaupal NONA Winner of four METAs NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook

Executive Director & Council Member Deepak Bajaj

Editorial Director Radhakrishnan Nair

Editor-in-Chief Oishani Mitra Contents Consulting Editor Ekta Mohta Senior Sub-editor 12 Cynthia Lewis

Editorial Co-ordinator Hilda Darukhanawalla

Art Director Amit Naik

Deputy Art Directors Hemali Limbachiya Tanvi Shah

Graphic Designer Vidhi Doshi

Advertising Anita Maria Pancras ([email protected]; 66223820) Tulsi Bavishi ([email protected]; 9833116584)

Senior Digital Manager Jayesh V. Salvi

Published by Deepak Bajaj for The National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021

Produced by

Editorial Office 4th Floor, Todi Building, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013 Features Printer Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, 08 Mumbai – 400013 Reflections 14 On the importance of humanities. Kathak on the Chaupal Materials in ON Stage cannot be reproduced in By Anil Dharker It was a casual anecdote from Birju part or whole without the written permission Maharaj over two decades of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed ago that led to the creation of in this magazine are not necessarily those of 10 Chaturang Ki Chaupal. By Library of Voices the publisher. All rights reserved. Shama Bhate If you’re even remotely interested in opera,

NCPA Booking Office there are few starting points better than the 2282 4567/6654 8135/6622 3724 Stuart-Liff Collection, housed at the NCPA. www.ncpamumbai.com By Devanshi Shah 18 The Unfettered Song Hymns and songs in Sanskrit and 12 Pali when composed in Hindustani Nona’s Great Run classical ragas can be a bridge to Nona is Malayalam theatre director Jino the wisdom of ancient sages. Joseph’s latest play to sweep the METAs By Dr. Subhadra Desai 22 Letters to the Editor

ON The Viennese School Thank you for a most interesting article, ‘The Viennese School’ in your June 2018 issue, covering the period of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. I would like to add information given in the article. There is a ‘cluster-phenomenon’ in the study and research of reincarnation that defies explanation. At infrequent periods in history, several geniuses appear at the same time. Usually they know each other, and their fame lasts through centuries. Then, a century or two later, another cluster of talented men dominates the scene, and like comets, they disappear for another hundred years or so. Shakespeare and Bacon is an unforgettable cluster. Leonardo da Vinci and Verrocchio even worked together. During their lifetime, two great artists, Michelangelo and Raphael vied with each other at exhibitions. Da Vinci and Michelangelo also displayed their works in 1504 at Florence. In the world of music, about 22 two centuries later, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert appeared. A Coming of Age 36 century later, there were Brahms, Liszt and Schumann. In the philosophical Clash of the Titans Since 2010, Con Brio has Rhondda Rips it Up! by the world, we saw Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot (who all believed in been pushing the limits of Welsh National Opera and reincarnation). Western classical music performed Lessons in Love and Violence The same cluster-phenomenon in the 19th century produced a in India, with a focus on local by the Royal Opera House glittering array of poets and philosophers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, talent. By Florestan Furtado offered two different William Bryant, Henry Longfellow, Oliver Holmes and Walt Whitman. An approaches to opera accident? There is no such thing as accident in nature. Souls repeatedly this season. By Ashutosh return in groups to develop their talents to greater heights. Romantic 26 Khandekar poets who simultaneously illumined English literature (another cluster- Sunday Play phenomenon) like Blake, Scott, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, By earmarking one Sunday Keats and Landor may have formed another cluster of talented people every month for children’s in various fields. So, yes, noble souls do know each other through several theatre, the NCPA has given it a 38 The Dashavatara Tradition births. permanent platform year-round. of the Konkan By Reshma O. Pathare Best Wishes, In the second part of this two-part article, C. T. Khanolkar Ruby Lilaowala 30 talks about the intricacies of a Fall for Paris dashavatara performance Follow us on: Robert Doisneau’s photography facebook.com/NCPAMumbai made you do just that 40 @NCPAMumbai Programme Guide NCPAMumbai All of July’s events at the NCPA 34 youtube.com/user/TheNCPAMumbai1 SOI Across the Country A wind quartet consisting of pinterest.com/ncpamumbai jones - players from the SOI toured 50 some key academic and cultural What’s Next rosen institutions across the country. What to expect in the following We look forward to your feedback and suggestions. Please do drop us an

tanya By Nikhil Sardana months email at [email protected]. PRODUCTION

It was a casual anecdote from Birju Maharaj over Kathakon the two decades ago that led to the creation of Chaturang Ki Chaupal. Chaupal By Shama Bhate

While creating Chaturang Ki Chaupal, dancers were placed on the chaupal board and then

the Kathak was designed KAUSTUBH ATRE ime and space Through centuries, Kathak experimentation. Of course, it would mean creating a dance space. Every culture has described the performing Shama Bhate are two eternal has travelled from the deliberate hindrance for the dance movements first, and platform as a playground and the performance as a entities: the temple space to the court, then finding a smooth solution to that hindrance next. It play. Besides, there is an unwritten rule in music and world revolves to a chauraha (a village was as if I was sacrificing the free space the proscenium dance, which all gurus and buzurgs (elders) insist around them. square), to a kotha (a small stage provided. on: one should be able to play with the rhythm and NoT event in this world, confined place in the house The next vital decision was the choice of music. I was musical notes. In other words, the unfolding has to be therefore, can remain of a prostitute), and finally dealing with an innovative space, so the music had to easy, flowing, natural and effortless. So my innovative untouched by these to the proscenium stage be traditional. I chose chaturangs, which are rich, old space had to be a playful, light-hearted space. After omnipotent forces. It is after Independence. Every and rare compositions consisting all, any dance composition therefore natural that all art stipulated space inevitably of four components – sahitya is nothing but a play of forms mirror human values, changed the character of (literature), tarana (melody), In Chaturang Ki Chaupal, bodylines, movements, sensitivities and ideals in the dance. In the temples, it sargam (musical notes) and stances and shapes in the their expression through was an offering to the gods; naach ke bol (dance syllables). the four mighty ragas given space. these two dimensions. the dance was not meant for I was certain that a chaturang, are using the dancers This choreography is a Dance is an audio-visual spectators. With the result which is considered the essence play with the ragas, their medium of expression. that it was conceived and of a raga and represents the raga like their dice specific characteristics Both time and space danced with only the frontal in totality, would provide me with and their emotions. play an important role in view in mind. The purpose a full scope to explore all aspects Normally, dance leads and the manifestation of this changed as the dance arrived of Kathak in depth and entirety. According to our music follows. Here, the four mighty ragas are using art form. A movement, in the courts of kings. The ancient treatises, every raga has its specific character the dancers like their dice. To prove their own point, by definition, has to be available space for the dance and is ascribed with a certain bhaav or emotion. they playfully challenge and needle each other, make rhythmically balanced again was very small, but the I decided to choose four different chaturangs in four repartee with each other, even share their secrets. and visually aesthetic to placement of the spectators different ragas: Yaman, a pleasant raga; Jaijaiwanti, a But in the end, they go hand-in-hand to create a be defined as a dance changed the character of romantic raga; Adana, a valorous raga; and Bhairavi, an wholesome unified impact, which is calledChaturang movement. In Kathak, the the dance in terms of the all-encompassing raga. Ki Chaupal. exploration of rhythm is look (nazar), the stances, the thorough and deep and is gestures and the inclusion The playground of life Chaturang Ki Chaupal will be staged on 29th July at evident to everyone, as the of spectacles such as whirls There is one other reason for choosing a chaupal as my the Experimental Theatre. dance progresses from one and turns and the quick composition to the other. footwork. The purpose was A scene from In earlier times, Kathak to please the lords. My idea Chaturang Ki Chaupal was a solo dance. As such, for Chaturang Ki Chaupal the visual exploration was came from the next space: limited to a lone figure. Now the chauraha. I am tempted that the dance is presented to narrate an anecdote about in a group, the use of space this concept, which Pandit has acquired another Birju Maharaj narrated to me a important dimension and few years ago. He said, “While meaning. The visuals have Through centuries, I was dancing in a chauraha, become more and more the audience was all around. layered and dynamic in Kathak has travelled from After I received applause from nature. the temple space to the one side, the people from the other side would call out Space theory court, to a chauraha, to a and say, ‘Maharaj, ek tukda I am always fascinated by idhar bhi (one piece for us, spaces. I envisage a dance kotha, and finally to the please).’ I would turn around composition, whenever I and dance the piece again for come across any interesting proscenium stage after that section.” This made me space. It kind of signals to Independence think: if people are sitting all me, whispers to me and around, the choreographed remains in the recesses of piece will have to be viewed my mind. While choreographing a piece, the active and from all sides and angles. At any given point, it has passive spaces formed by the dancing bodies, the lines to make sense to each and every person seated in formed by the body movements, create a web of magic the audience. This was a good 20 years ago. It was a and demand creative space as their frame/canvas from trigger, and I have been toying with this idea ever since. a choreographer. Chaturang Ki Chaupal is one such attempt to create a specific space and then make it Moving beyond the frame aesthetically meaningful, relevant and vibrant through Why does one always have to think of the proscenium dance compositions. Chaupal is an old game of dice – stage only? Would the dance look different if conceived the board is colourful like a Ludo board. I thought of with a different space in mind? Would it be at the cost placing my dancers on that board and then design the of traditionalism and classicism? I thought the chaupal dance accordingly. space would be both interesting and intriguing for

16 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 17 ARCHIVES

spangles embroidered on the An actor portraying near Walaval. A small image, fabric. The crown has the glitter Gorakhanatha Gorevasa, is housed in a of gold. The paraphernalia of temple close to the Laxmi The dashavatara tradition of the Konkan ornaments includes bracelets, Narayan temple at Walaval to ON Stage brings you excerpts from the NCPA Quarterly Journal, an unsurpassed literary archive that ran from pearl necklaces and belts commemorate this event. The around the waist from where spot is regarded as a place of 1972 to 1988 and features authoritative and wide-ranging articles. In the second part of this two-part article, the swords hang. Therakshasa worship by dashavatara actors. C. T. Khanolkar talks about the intricacies of a dashavatara performance wears basically the same By and large, Brahmins do costume, but he assumes not act in a dashavatara play. a cruel and awe-inspiring There are just a few exceptions It is the sutradhara or the proprietor of one of these actors explained to me, “If I appear shy and humble when she is with expression. Therishiparti to this rule. But strangely the group who usually decides which don’t use that diction, they won’t believe the king and earnest and solemn in the nat sports moustaches and enough, Brahmins do act in akhyana has to be staged on a particular it is the king himself speaking.” The durbar. She must wail piteously when a beard. He wears a clean the lalit, another folk form night. But the leader of the village or the queen deploys the same idiom. Even the she is grief-stricken and wring her hands dhoti and carries a water jar, of the Konkan. They paint pancha of the devasthana can suddenly rakshasaparti nat does not hesitate to use in sorrow. The rajparti nat occupies the a rudrakshamala hangs round their faces and even speak the suggest the performance of some other it. But in his language there is more of centre of the stage; the rest do not employ his neck. The queen drapes a coarse language sometimes akhyana. This can happen any definite gestures but they green, purple or red sari, worn employed in the lalit. even after the actors are An actor are bound by a strong acting in the Maharashtrian style. The through with their make- portraying convention which becomes gods are clothed no different THE UNHOLY FACET OF Kansa up. But even so, the troupe a discipline and is soon than kings. THE HOLY adopts a very understanding recognisable as a style. The The actors use light red make- The plight of thedashavatara and flexible attitude and fights have to be conducted up: there is kajal in the eyes, a actor is nothing short of concedes to the request of in a particular fashion. Fist saffron dot on the forehead. The pitiable. After the night’s its patrons. Theakhyanas are fights, swordfights, mace arms and feet are also touched by performance is over, the not put down in writing but fights are a regular feature of light red colour. The demons use actor balances his trunk on the actors pour their heart many akhyanas. The fights do a brighter shade of red and even his head, and climbs hillocks into the words and give not take place only between their eyelids have the same tinge. or crosses rivers to reach a them a true ring. Most of the kings, or rakhshasas, or devas. The rishiparti nat has horizontal neighbouring village. The actors are musicians, and the The king and queen may fight ash lines on his forehead and a troupe usually camps in rajparti is invariably a good each other. Even the gods blend of red and white powder is smeared the open, quite often by the riverbank. singer. The actor who plays sometimes get embroiled in all over his body. Vishnu and Shankara use The plight of the The season lasts for six months and the the queen’s role must sing mutual strife. a bluer shade for their bodies. Those who dashavatara actor maximum that an actor is ever likely to well, too. The female roles The three forms of dance do female roles also add a slightly bluish receive for a night’s performance is 12 or are all acted by men. Babi in regular use are tandava, tinge to the colour they use, and the arch is nothing short 15 rupees. In the main, the dashavatara Nalang, the well-known baswa and deepa. Nowadays of their eyebrows is emphasised by a strong attracts the peasants. The middle-class dashavatara performer, tried baswa and deepa are rarely line of black. Every actor is responsible for of pitiable. The strata of the villages stay aloof from this to get actresses for female performed. When the baswa is his own make-up. Most of the actors grow maximum that an form. For the peasants, it is linked with a roles, but his efforts met with no success. The acting styles performed, the actor ties around his waist a their hair long. Nowadays the group tries religious ritual. During the performance, The tunes of thedashavatara are are stereotyped: the kind of umbrella woven of bamboo sticks. to introduce the make-up conventions of actor is ever likely to an actor drapes a sari and moves among borrowed from old stage hits; the words It is a sort of covering used by farmers to the professional stage. They have begun to receive for a night’s the spectators with a plate and a lamp are altered. In the old days, dashavatara rajparti nat adopts protect themselves during the rain, and discard the raal and mud which they used in his hand. Usually a novice is sent actors used to sing before the actual it has a sharp edge, pointed towards the in earlier times. Masks were also employed performance is 12 or out among the people with the avowed commencement of a play by some of a heroic stance and front, like the beak of an egret. A bullock’s in certain situations. There were masks for intention of curing him of stage fright. our veteran dramatists such as Deval wooden mask is fixed on the beak, and Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Kharadushana, 15 rupees The sari gives him access to the sector or Kirloskar. The tunes of the songs the rakshasaparti nat Shankar and Parvati are supposed to Narasimha and Kaliya but they are now where the women are seated. If he is sung before and after a regular dramatic assumes a grim and be in it. With this appendage round his in disuse. But even today Vishnu has two the mridanga and harmonium players shrewd and fairly attractive, he wins the performance were often composed by the waist, the actor begins his dance. Govind wooden hands fixed behind him. Most sit by his side. In the old days, Petromax favour of the audience. The patrons bring dashavatara actors themselves. One of the forbidding expression Dhondu Veturkar used to dance baswa, of the actors doing the female roles are lamps lit the arena. Even today they serve out their contributions more easily, and older and more gifted of thedashavatara but now he is too old to undertake such influenced by the style associated with Bal as the main source of light in areas where the troupe expresses their approval of the actors, Dada Patkar, has himself sound and fury. Therishiparti nat employs strenuous movements. Thedeepa form Gandharva. there is no electricity. As a rule, no mikes young man. composed such songs. Nowadays an actor the language of meditation. His tone is is in disuse. Bablo Aba Khanolkar who are required by actors. In the district of The performance goes on almost till occasionally picks up a strain from a film didactic. The actors accent every word danced it proficiently died in 1961. When THE STAGE south Ratnagiri, there are nine dashavatara daybreak. The actor playing the role of tune and sings it in the style of a natyageet. with so much emphasis that the meaning the deepa is danced, a brass samai (lamp The dashavatara performances are held groups. An actor may shift his allegiance, Krishna breaks the pot of dahi. That is Shankhasura in the adadashavatara of a sentence gets blurred. Their style of with wicks) is placed on the head; in either in a temple hall. There is no curtain in the but the company, as a whole, manages to why the form is also called dahikal or and a few other characters speak the utterance is easy to recognise and the hand there is a thali with a niranjana. The proper sense of the word. If a character is maintain its own identity. It is believed that dhaykalo. This religious flavour makes Malvani dialect. But once the akhyana voices are always pitched very high. dancer whirls but the lights continue to about to die, the sutradhara and another this folk form was brought to the Konkan it acceptable to the villagers, and, in proper commences, no character speaks flicker without a break. Thetandava is still actor hold a sheet in front of the bench four centuries ago. Many maintain that the past, this element contributed to its Malvani; they speak literary Marathi. The A STEREOTYPED SETTING danced but it has now assumed a rather and the character slips away unseen. the dashavatara style owes its origin to popularity and success in the rural areas. rajparti nat employs ornate and difficult The acting styles are stereotyped: the boisterous quality. Sometimes performances are held in the the Kuchipudi style of dance; others trace words, sometimes even without a full rajparti nat adopts a heroic stance and The rajparti nat wears a dazzling open, and the acting arena is screened on its inception to the yakshagana tradition. This article first appeared in the NCPA grasp of their meanings. The spectators the rakshasaparti nat assumes a grim and kurta: red, blue or purple in colour, with three sides by partitions made of leaves. The man who is said to have brought the Quarterly Journal in March 1974 (Vol. 3, do not understand him either. But as forbidding expression. The queen must a zari border. There are tiny, sparkling The sutradhara stands to the right and style to the Konkan from Kerala lived No.1).

38 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 39 performers who are carving a niche Debopriya and Suchismita for themselves in the world of music. Chatterjee are popularly known as the R. Samyuktha, from Chennai, "flute sisters". They have both trained is learning the violin under V. S. under Padma Vibhushan Hariprasad Programme Guide Narasimhan, founder of the Madras Chaurasia, and accompany him in (Programmes are subject to change. Please check the website and refer to our emails for updated information.) July 2018 String Quartet, and has acquired an LTCL concerts across the world. Nagesh with distinction. Her performance will Adgaonkar has trained under Rashid THEATRE FILMS / SCREENINGS INDIAN MUSIC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC include a Bach Partita. Mallika Maria Khan, and has been awarded the first Fonseca studied pianoforte with Myrna prize by AIR. Surfira, 6th, PHOTOGRAPHY & EXHIBITION PRESENTATIONS & DISCUSSIONS DANCE MULTI ARTS Fernandes, stood first in Mumbai in the Experimental Theatre ATCL, and has won accolades at several Admission on a first-come-first- prestigious competitions. Her recital served basis. NCPA Members will get indian music theatre R. Samyuktha, 4th, will include the works of Schubert, preferential seating until 6.20 pm. Evgeny Experimental Bushkov, 1st, Theatre Chopin, Debussy and Lizst. Dielle Lobo, Band Baja: Promoting Experimental Theatre Vikram I Love You soprano, has been studying under international music Young Collaborations English Play (120 mins) Fereida Havewala, director at Cantabile With Surfira Featuring Sreekant & Godrej Dance Theatre Institute of Piano, Voice and Speech Echoes of the World with Group Sunday, 1st – 6.30 pm in Pune. She will perform the works Zila Khan (approx. 120 mins) of Mozart, Schubert and Sondheim, (approx. 120 mins) Experimental Theatre Vikram and Katy have moved to South among others. Experimental Theatre Friday, 6th – 6.30 pm Mumbai after 22 years. While Vikram is Thursday, 5th – 7.00 pm not satisfied with his job, Katy's career is Tickets: `200/- An NCPA Presentation Mallika Fonseca, beginning to offer more opportunities. 4th, Box Office now open An NCPA Presentation Vikram brings home a dog he found Experimental Band Baja promotes innovative music at Marine Drive, wearing only the Theatre indian music Zila Khan is a singer, music endeavours going beyond the set name Anahita on her dog tag. Anahita entrepreneur, actor and cultural boundaries of musical genres and becomes a major bone of contention NCPA Umang ambassador for the government of traditions, especially by and for the between the couple and trouble begins. Debopriya & Suchismita Chatterjee India. The daughter of sitar maestro youth. The series presents Surfira, a band (flute) Vilayat Khan, she is one of the finest of young talented members mentored Directed & Produced by Sam Kerawalla Nagesh Adgaonkar (vocal) Sufi singers in the world and is known by the well-known singer Kailash Kher. Cast: Vivek Tandon, Huzan Wadia, (approx. 120 mins) for her wide repertoire and command The band includes classically trained international music Thea Shroff, Rumy Zarir, Zoran Saher Little Theatre over various music styles, whether it's vocalist Sreekant Krishnamurthy, & Rashna Karai Thursday, 5th – 6.30 pm Indian classical, world music, Indo-jazz along with Manuj Dubey (tabla Classics – It’s Classy! fusion, traditional ghazal or Sufi music. and percussion), Ajinkya Jadhav (approx. 120 mins) Tickets: Supported by Tata Capital In this presentation, each individual (bass), Rashmin Parekh (keyboard), A Concert for Young Audiences & `450/- (Members) song, though Indian, will be paired with Suryakant Sharma (drums and cajon), Families `500/- (Public) Debopriya & indigenous music from places such Shakyamuni Pawar (lead guitar) and SOI Chamber Orchestra Box Office now open Suchismita Chatterjee, as Spain, Africa, Scandinavia, Middle Vikram Vishwakarma (acoustic guitar, 5th, Little Theatre Evgeny Bushkov, conductor East, etc. It will push the boundaries mandolin and saaz). In an attempt to Experimental Theatre theatre of collaborative world music and make the traditional forms relevant to Sunday, 1st – 11.00 am explore the versatility of Indian songs today's audiences across all age groups, Chalona Aajao as they meld with unfamiliar sounds, the band seeks to reinvent the sounds An NCPA Presentation Hindi Play (105 mins) instruments and genres. of popular forms such as Sufi and Experimental Theatre ghazal. They present some well-known The SOI Chamber Orchestra will present Sunday, 1st – 7.00 pm Tickets: `750 & 500/- (Plus GST) songs with a contemporary touch. a special concert for young audiences Box Office now open Dielle Lobo, 4th, and families, created by Resident A village girl raises her voice against Experimental Tickets: Theatre Conductor Evgeny Bushkov. These dowry demand by her future in-laws and Nagesh Adgaonkar, `360 & 270/- (Members) innovative programmes seamlessly makes her choice of a suitable person. 5th, Little Theatre `400 & 300/- (Public) blend entertainment and education, international music Box Office: 26th June for Members & and encourage children to interact Written & Directed by Nadira Zaheer 29th June for Public by singing along, answering the Babbar Young Talent conductor’s questions, participating Cast: Nadira Zaheer Babbar, Mithilesh Western Music Recital dance in performances, conducting and Singh, Manav Pande, Neha Shaikh & (approx. 90 mins) sometimes even dancing. The others Experimental Theatre NCPA Umang programme will include ‘Moomin Wednesday, 4th – 7.00 pm Nrityamaala and the Magician’s Hat’, composed by An Ekjute Theatre Group Production Kuchipudi by Vempati Lakshmi Airat Ichmouratov, and based on the An NCPA & Stop-Gaps Cultural Kameswari & Pasumarthy Namrata fairytale by Tove Jansson. Tickets: Academy Presentation Krishna `450 & 360/- (Members) (approx. 70 mins) Zila Khan, 5th, Tickets: `300/- `500 & 400/- (Public) The Young Talent Concert series, now Experimental Little Theatre Box Office now open Box Office now open in its 29th year, presents three young Theatre Friday, 6th – 7.00 pm

40 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 41 Pasumarthy Namrata Swati Sougandhikam, Krishna, 6th, Little 8th, Experimental film An NCPA-More2Screen (UK) brotherhood that goes beyond the Theatre Theatre Presentation evil politician and the fanatic to make a Singapore Film Festival difference to the common man. Little Theatre This entertaining and still topical Wednesday, 11th & Thursday, 12th play brings an act of political sin into Written by Asghar Wajahat – 6.00 pm onwards the heart of the English home. As an Designed & Directed by Dinesh ambitious government minister, Sir Thakur In association with the Consulate Robert Chiltern’s smooth ascent to the Cast: Preeta Mathur Thakur, Aman General of the Republic of top seems assured until Mrs. Cheveley Gupta, Atul Mathur, Ajay Chourey & Singapore, Mumbai appears in London with damning others proof of his previous financial 881 chicanery. An Ank Production In English, Mandarin & Hokkien with English Subtitles (106 Tickets: `500/- Tickets: mins/2007) Box Office now open `450 & 360/- (Members) Wednesday, 11th – 6.00 pm & `500 & 400/- (Public) Thursday, 12th – 7.30 pm theatre Box Office now open

881 is a 2007 Singaporean musical, Chinta Chhod indian music Vempati Melissa Gardner, who write letters to dance styles – Bharatanatyam by based on the Singapore Getai scene. Lakshmi Chintamani Kameswari, each other over a period of 50 years. Andy Rama Vaidyanathan, Mohiniattam Little Papaya and Big Papaya grow Hindi Play (130 mins) Ghan Garaje: Monsoon 6th, Little is a serious, down-to-earth attorney, by Gopika Varma and Kuchipudi up idolising Chen Jin Lang, the King Experimental Theatre Melodies Theatre and Melissa, a lively, free-spirited artist. by Shantha Ratii, performed by the of Hokkien Getai, and dream of Wednesday, 11th – 7.00 pm By Rahul Deshpande But these two opposites have a definite foremost artistes of each genre. becoming Getai singers themselves. (approx. 120 mins) attraction. Touching, romantic and Their heart-wrenching story is related It is the story of a family in which the Experimental Theatre funny, their correspondence follows a Tickets: by their introspective but highly father thinks his progeny is standing at Friday, 13th – 6.30 pm bittersweet path of boarding schools, `360 & 270/- (Members) sensitive friend and driver, Guan Yin. the threshold of total ruination. They are marriages, children, divorce and missed `400 & 300/- (Public) wallowing in self-indulgence and their An NCPA Presentation opportunities. Box Office now open Written & Directed by Royston Tan destiny is leading them to an inevitable Supported by Jaisinh & Kishore fall. On the other hand, the children think Mariwala Written by A. R. Gurney international music My Magic this is nothing but a generation gap and Directed by Rahul daCunha In English & Tamil with English the old man is unable to understand the The advent of the rainy season is richly Cast: Shernaz Patel & Rajit Kapur SOI Chamber Orchestra Subtitles (75 mins/2008) situation. Is it really a generation gap or celebrated in Hindustani music. Ragas Evgeny Bushkov, conductor Wednesday, 11th – 8.00 pm & a case of miscommunication? of the Malhar family and myriad genres A Kuchipudi thematic presentation A Rage Production (approx. 120 mins) Thursday, 12th – 6.00 pm of semi-classical music like thumri and by Vempati Lakshmi Kameswari Experimental Theatre Written by Vasant Kanetkar dadra are inseparably associated with and Pasumarthy Namrata Krishna, Age: 12+ Tuesday, 10th – 7.00 pm Francis is a man at the end of his tether. Designed & Directed by Om Katare this season. Several allied folk forms students of Vempati Chinna Satyam’s The former magician often takes solace Cast: Om Katare, Mukesh Yadav, such as kajri, sawan, jhoola, hindola Kuchipudi Art Academy, Chennai. Tickets: An NCPA Presentation in the bottle and barely ekes a living as Puneet Maloo, Sapna Malhotra & express the pain of separation and the Nrityamaala deals with Sringara bhakti, `585/- (Members) a cleaner in a nightclub. He has a ten- others joy of union with the beloved in the in which Kuchipudi’s iconic character `650/- (Public) Programme: year-old son he desperately loves, but month of Sawan. Rahul Deshpande, Satyabhama presents her love and (Plus GST) Turina: The Bullfighter's Prayer sorrow, guilt and constant inebriation A Yatri Production the grandson of veteran vocalist, the affection in Bhamakalapam. It revolves Box Office now open Menotti: Cantilena & Scherzo have made him an ineffectual father. late Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande, has around the pranayakalaha between Ravel: Introduction & Allegro A broken spirit and a single parent, Tickets: trained with and sought guidance Satyabhama and Krishna, the ensuing dance Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Francis hopes to redeem himself and `450 & 360/- (Members) from several reputed teachers: viraha, shedding of her pride and Faun win his son’s love and respect. He `500 & 400/- (Public) Ushatai Chipalkatti, Mukul Shivputra, ending in their coming together. Swati Sougandhikam Atterberg: Suite No. 3 Op. 19, No. 1 makes a painful – and bizarre – return Box Office now open Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare and Multi Dance Style Presentation by Schumann (Arr. E. Bushkov): Selections to magic. An unexpected incident one Madhusudhan Patwardhan. Deeply Admission on a first-come-first- Rama Vaidyanathan, Gopika Varma from Pictures from the East, Op. 66 night sets father and son on the road. theatre inspired by Kumar Gandharva’s music, served basis. NCPA Members will & Shantha Ratii (approx. 120 mins) Deshpande is a versatile vocalist with a get preferential seating till 6.50 pm. Experimental Theatre Tickets: `600 & 400/- (Plus GST) Directed by Eric Khoo Jis Lahore Nahi Dekhya Sunday, 8th – 6.30 pm Box Office now open Hindi Play (130 mins) Rahul Deshpande, theatre Admission on a first-come-first- Experimental Theatre 13th, An NCPA-Shantha Ratii Initiative served basis. Thursday, 12th – 7.00 pm Experimental Love Letters Presentation Theatre English Play (120 mins) screening Jis Lahore Nahi Dekhya, Asghar Experimental Theatre Swati Sougandhikam will bring alive Wajahat's powerful human saga, Saturday, 7th – 7.00 pm the works of a great composer: poet- An Ideal Husband is a story of two communities, who king Swathi Thirunal. The various Theatre Screening (150 mins) have suffered the horrors of Partition A.R. Gurney’s internationally acclaimed moods, poetic excellence and SOI Chamber Godrej Dance Theatre first-hand and still have the strength play is a heart-warming and poignant language nuances will be captured Orchestra, 10th, Wednesday, 11th & Thursday, 12th – and humanity to rise above petty tale about two people, Andy Ladd and in one evening, through different Experimental Theatre 6.00 pm hatred. This important message of

42 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 43 Pinocchio, 15th, repertoire ranging from khayal, thumri, Enrolment Fee: `1,000/- (plus GST) Godrej Dance Cast: Mona Singh, Sajeel Parakh, Music: Leo Delibes indian music bhajan and natyageet to fusion. Besides for one session of 2 hours Theatre Danesh Irani, Meherzad Patel, Choreography: Sergei Vikharev live concerts, he acts in musical plays Danesh Khambata & Siddharth Libretto: Charles Nuitter & Arthur NCPA Umang (sangeet-natak), and has sung for the A limited number of registrations Merchant Saint-Leon Deborshee Bhattacharya (Khayal) popular filmKatyar Kaljat Ghusali. In this will be accepted. For enquiries Cast: The Bolshoi Principals, Soloists Dr. Jyoti Iyer (Khayal) recital, Deshpande will present classical regarding batches, timing and A Silly Point Production & Corps de Ballet (approx. 120 mins) and semi-classical repertoire to usher registration: contact 66223813 Little Theatre in the lively season of the rains. or write to us at ncpamusic Tickets: Tickets: `600/- (Plus GST) Friday, 20th – 6.30 pm [email protected]. `1,500, 1,125, 900, 750, 525 & 375/- Box Office now open Tickets: (Members) In collaboration with ITC-SRA `315 & 225/- (Members) theatre `2,000, 1,500, 1,200, 1,000, 700 & film (Western Region) `350 & 250/- (Public) 500/- (Public) Box Office: 26th June for Members & ELVIS – Long Live (Inclusive of GST) NCPA Reality Check Deborshee Bhattacharya was ten 29th June for Public the King An NCPA Presentation Box Office now open Little Theatre when he started learning under Ajoy India's First Tribute Show (90 mins) Thursday, 19th – 6.30 pm Chakraborty, and has continued to indian music Tata Theatre Pinocchio is a play adapted by Gulzar screening train under him as a scholar at ITC- Saturday, 14th - 7.00 pm on the story of a puppet that comes In collaboration with the Cinema SRA. Dr. Jyoti Iyer is a ganda-bandha Training Sessions in alive. Geppeto, a poor woodcarver, Bolshoi Ballet: Coppélia Collective 1 shishya of Sajjanlal Bhatt and is currently Dhrupad Get all set to groove and move to Elvis’s carves himself a puppet. A turquoise- Ballet Screening (approx. 165 mins) under the tutelage of Raghunandan Conducted by Umakant & Ramakant greatest hits – ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Hound haired fairy takes pity on the old man Godrej Dance Theatre Robert Doisneau: Panshikar, a senior disciple of Kishori Gundecha Dog’, ‘Love Me Tender’ and many and brings the puppet to life. Pinocchio Tuesday, 17th & Wednesday, 18th – Through the Lens (78 mins) Amonkar. Supported by their Disciples more. This show will take the audience is advised against telling lies and 6.30 pm English Commentary & English East Room 1 across a journey in the life of Elvis with informed that his nose would increase Subtitles (Original: French) Admission on a first-come-first- Saturday, 14th – 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm the help of stunning visuals on LED each time he utters a lie. Going his own An NCPA-Pathé Live (Paris) served basis. NCPA Members will get screens, backing vocalists and glitzy way, ignoring the advice of his father, Presentation Robert Doisneau is the celebrated preferential seating until 6.20 pm. In collaboration with Dhrupad rhinestone costumes that will give a the fairy, and his conscience, Pinocchio photographer and author of one of the Sansthan Bhopal Nyas truly authentic Las Vegas experience. soon falls in with a variety of bad Swanhilda notices her fiancé Franz is most iconic images of the 20th century, Deborshee Bhattacharya, company. infatuated with the beautiful Coppélia ‘Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville’. He was one 20th, Little Dhrupad is the oldest surviving genre Starring: Siddharth Meghani & his who sits reading on her balcony of the most popular photographers in Theatre of Hindustani music. The tradition is Live Band Written by Gulzar each day. Nearly breaking up the two the world. In more than 20 books, he reputed for following special training Music by Sudeep Banerji sweethearts, Coppélia is not what revealed a lovely view of human frailty methods to groom facets like voice, Produced by Raëll Padamsee's ACE Choreography by Shrikant Ahire she seems and Swanhilda decides and life as a series of incongruous breath control, pitch control and Productions Produced by Lubna Salim to teach Franz a lesson. The Bolshoi’s moments. This original and innovative systematic delineation of composition. Designed & Directed by Salim Arif unique version of Coppélia exhibits documentary appropriates Doisneau’s We offer a special opportunity to train Tickets Cast: Shreya Acharya, Aditya a fascinating reconstruction of the belongings and his private collection, with the internationally renowned `1,875, 1,500, 1,125, 750, 563 & 375/- Kothari, Neha, Palak Jaiswal & others original 19th-century choreography as well as interviews with his friends exponents of this art form, Umakant (Members) of this ebullient comedy involving a and partners in order to celebrate one and Ramakant Gundecha, and their `2,500, 2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 750 & Tickets: feisty heroine, a boyish fiancé with a of the greatest artists of our time.​ senior disciples. Following topics will 500/- (Public) `450/- (Members) wandering eye, and an old dollmaker. be covered in the sessions: (Inclusive of GST) `500/- (Public) The company’s stunning corps de Directed by Clémentine Deroudille 1. Science of swara and raga Box Office now open Box Office now open ballet shines in the divertissements Produced by Jan Vasak 2. Voice culture training for raga music and famous ‘dance of the hours,’ 3. Music and Yoga – Nadayoga in theatre theatre and its principals abound in youthful Admission on a first-come-first- dhrupad energy and irresistible humour in this served basis. NCPA members will 4. Study of laya and tala Pinocchio Laughter Therapy effervescent production. get preferential seating till 6.20 pm. Hindustani Play (65 mins) English Play (120 mins) The sessions will be conducted Godrej Dance Theatre Tata Theatre Coppélia, 17th Dr. Jyoti Iyer, & 18th, 20th, Little every month to maintain continuity. Sunday, 15th – 12.00 pm Sunday, 15th – 7.00 pm Godrej Dance Theatre Theatre Umakant A Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Parsi Gundecha, 14th, East walk into the therapy session of Dr. Room 1 Bombay’s clinic to help cope with various mental issues in their lives. The result is total chaos. We get a glimpse of the four religions in their domestic environment as we go into the characters’ homes and witness their relationships with various people in their lives. Five actors play 35 characters Robert in this play. Doisneau: Through the Lens, 19th, Written & Directed by Meherzad Patel Little Theatre

44 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 45 Age of Enlightenment, Zeitgeist, Beyond Dr. Subhadra Varsha Bhave, 20th, Experimental 21st, Common The final collaboration between Desai, 21st, 27th, Godrej Theatre Experimental Practice, Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined Little Theatre Dance Theatre 22nd, Theatre Experimental to become the world's most beloved Theatre musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains international music harmonic movement which underpins Tickets: `500/- to Switzerland on the eve of WWII Little Theatre Theatre Music all the best known Western music, provides one of the most thrilling and Saturday, 21st – 5.00 pm By Varsha Bhave & Group Con Brio 2018: Coming including jazz and pop music) was Con Brio 2018: Beyond inspirational finales ever presented in (approx. 120 mins) of Age established. The classical movement Common Practice theatre. Experience The Sound of Music An NCPA Presentation Godrej Dance Theatre Western Music Festival & Piano follows soon after with Haydn, Mozart (approx. 120 mins) with amazing surround set visuals using Friday, 27th – 6.30 pm Competition and a young Beethoven glorifying Sunday, 22nd – 6.00 pm the latest technology, 30 live singers In the multi-religious culture of Experimental Theatre this Common Practice without the and the most iconic songs ever. India, hymns and songs created and An NCPA Presentation Friday, 20th to Sunday, 22nd July complexity of the baroque. Chloe De As with all artistic movements, sometimes also sung by the immortal Souza (Con Brio 2012) will open the challenging the norm is key and Produced by Raëll Padamsee’s ACE seers, are surely an invaluable feature. During the late 19th century, a new An NCPA & Furtados Presentation festival with Scarlatti and the semi- Modernism embodies that by Productions Many of these are still integral to music tradition took its roots in finalists will each perform Bach. Nakul merely not having any norm: it is the Director: Advait Hazarat the living culture, admired and Maharashtra. With Hindustani music at Something very special shall be Jogdeo (Con Brio 2015) will perform movement to end all movements Associate Director: Karla Singh performed widely in different parts its base, this form, essentially ensconced attempted in the ninth instalment of Mozart’s Kegelstatt Trio and Chelsea by doing away with rules and Music Director: Merlyn D’Souza of the country. This presentation by in Marathi drama, went on to remain Con Brio – The John Gomes Memorial De Souza (Con Brio 2010) will deliver empowering artistes to do as they Vocals Director: Marianne D'Cruz Dr. Subhadra Desai is based on popular even after the original context Piano Competition and Festival, Haydn’s Piano Concerto in F with string please. In music, the regularity of Aiman hymns and songs drawn from several of theatrical tradition faded away. The presented annually by Furtados and orchestra. rhythm was taken away, standard Choreographed by Karla Singh & ancient texts in Sanskrit and Pali, and “songs” (natyapad) used a wide variety directed by Parvesh Java. ‘Coming forms were abandoned, but more Prince sung in Hindustani ragas. The texts of genres depending upon the dramatic of Age’ will feature young Indians Tickets: `500/- than anything, functional harmony Cast: Arunoday Singh, Meher Mistry, considered are: Hiranyagarbha Sukta, context: from classical and semi- performing some of the most well- (in which each harmony resolved to Marianne D’Cruz Aiman, Kunal Srimad Bhagavatam, Ishopanishad, classical to light music. Conceptualised known works by the most important Con Brio 2018: Zeitgeist the next in one of the expected ways) Vijayakar and an integrated cast of Suryopanishad, Brihadaranyopanishad, and presented by Varsha Bhave, a composers of the last three and a half (approx. 120 mins) broke down completely. Atonality over 150 actors, dancers and singers Shivatandava Stotram, Dhammapada, well-known singer, actor, composer centuries in three concerts representing Saturday, 21st – 7.00 pm challenged ears, and continues to comprising children from mainstream Niravanashatakam, Ashtapadi, and trainer, this concert offers a glimpse three fundamental ideologies that do so. This programme will focus on schools and Raëll Padamsee’s Academy Madhurashtakam and Panchatattva. of forms that have been used in Marathi impacted all concurrent artistic The German ‘Sturm und Drang’ (storm the composers who made small, but for Creative Expression(ACE) and six Trained in Hindustani vocal music, Dr. dramas: from classical bandish and activities: Enlightenment, Romanticism and drive) movement of the late 18th significant changes, and laid the way NGOs: ADAPT, Aseema, Salaam Bombay Desai is an A-grade artiste of AIR. As a thumri to bhavgeet, bhaktigeet, lavani, and Modernism. It will be the first century was an important trigger for for Modernism. Rajat Chowdhury Foundation, Salaam Baalak Trust, Seva Sanskrit scholar, she has worked on the ghazal, qawwali and more. time that the Con Brio festival will rest the Romantic Movement that was to (Con Brio 2016) will begin the evening Sadan and The Victoria Memorial oral traditions of Samavedic chanting entirely on the shoulders of young dominate art in the 19th century, with with rare piano solos by Kodály. School for the Blind and authored two books: Music in Singers: Avanti Patel, Ketaki Bhave- musicians, especially the pianists who an emphasis on individual emotion Bartók, Chausson, Cowell, Debussy, Valmiki’s Ramayana and Indian Women Joshi, Shrirang Bhave, Dhananjay have won the Con Brio competition in and a celebration of the pre-classical Scriabin, Shostakovich and Turina will Tickets: Seers and their Songs: the Unfettered Mhaskar & Varsha Bhave the past. times. Priya Ann Fernandes (Con follow along with the finals of the Con `4,875, 4,125, 3,375, 2,625, 1,875, Note. The lecture-demonstration will Compere: Poorvi Bhave Brio 2013) will lead Schubert’s Trout Brio competition. 1,500, 1,125, 750 & 375/- (Members) be followed by her Hindustani music Con Brio 2018: Age of Quintet along with Dielle Braganza. `6,500, 5,500, 4,500, 3,500, 2,500, performance. Tickets: Enlightenment Neville Bharucha (Con Brio 2011) will Tickets: `500/- 2,000, 1,500, 1,000 & 500/- (Public) `135/- (Members) (approx. 120 mins) perform Mendelssohn’s Fantasy in F Box Office now open (Inclusive of GST) Registration Fee: `100/- `150/- (Public) Friday, 20th – 7.00 pm sharp minor. The Paranjoti Academy Box Office now open Limited seats. Entry on a first-come- Box Office: 9th July for Members & Chorus will perform Brahms’s New theatre first-served basis. 12th July for Public The core idea of the Enlightenment of Love Song Waltzes with Nitya indian music For enquires contact Ms. Gargi on the 18th century – reason and scientific Thomas and Kersi Gazdar as soloists The Sound of Music 66223813 (Monday to Friday 10.30 theatre inquiry – was introduced into art as and Shirley Manuel (Con Brio 2014) Musical Play (120 mins) Shrutisaranga: am to 5.30 pm). well. Handel, Bach and Scarlatti all took and Sonam Lodhi (Con Brio 2017) at Tata Theatre Presentation of Sanskrit Nona baroque music to unforeseen levels the piano. The semi-finalists of the Friday, 20th – 7.30 pm Texts in Ragas indian music Malayalam Play with English of intellectual complexity and the competition will perform short works Saturday, 21st – 4.00 pm & A Lecture-Demonstration cum Subtitles (120 mins) ‘Common Practice’ of music (which by Schumann and the finalists will be 7.30 pm Performance by Dr. Subhadra Desai Natyavividha: An Tata Theatre refers to the rhythmic, melodic and announced after the concert. Sunday, 22nd – 4.00 pm & 7.30 pm (approx. 120 mins) Evening of Marathi Saturday, 28th – 7.00 pm

46 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 47 Nona, 28th, Tata Theatre sargam, sahitya, and rhythmic syllables intricately and homogeneously woven together. In this composition, there are four different chaturangs from four different ragas (Yaman, Jaijaywanti, Adana and Bhairavi) with four different vivid weaves to each composition. Like in the game of chaupal, the four chaturangs compete with each other, challenge each other, make repartees with each other and playfully proceed to form a wholesome union.

An NCPA Presentation Samantha Tickets: Noella, 28th, Experimental `360/- (Members) Nona, a socio-political satirical Theatre `400/- (Public) play, set in rural India is directed by Box Office: 26th June for Members & the acclaimed Malayalam theatre 29th June for Public personality, Jino Joseph. It examines pseudo-nationalism and casteism theatre through the story of Govindan, his family and neighbours. The narrative is The Siddhus of Upper about how Govindan’s conniving son Juhu Prasanth, through his advertisement English Play (120 mins) film project about the map of India in Tata Theatre his courtyard, creates boundaries that Sunday, 29th – 7.00 pm change the dynamics of a peaceful and well-known jazz instrumental pieces. connected community. Ultimately the Samantha Noella will lead a group Balvinder aka Bubbles Siddhu, a 50-year- villagers, with the help of Govindan, see of singers. They will be backed up by old well-paid financial executive, and through the sly motive of Prasanth and a rhythm section of piano, bass and his loyal Parsi wife, Behroze, live on the fight him. drums. Vocalese is a thrilling form of live 14th floor of a typical modern Upper jazz performance, which should not be Juhu aka Andheri hi-rise called Sea Nona has bagged four METAs missed. View Towers. In spite of having poured (Mahindra Excellence in Theatre their life savings into this 2.5 BHK flat Awards) – 2018 including Best Play, Tickets: `750 & 500/- (Plus GST) in Mumbai, everything civil and civic Best Director, Best Light Design & Box Office: 26th June for Members & seems to go wrong. Best Stage Design 29th June for Public Originally produced for Aadyam, an Directed by Jino Joseph dance Aditya Birla Group Initiative Cast: Midhun Musafar, A. K. Shaji, Priya K. S., Aswathy P. & others Chaturang Ki Chaupal Directed by Rahul daCunha Kathak by Shama Bhate & Troupe Cast: Rajit Kapur, Shernaz Patel, A Black Theatre, Koduvally (approx. 120 mins) Meera Khurana, Kajli Sharma & Production Experimental Theatre Shishir Sharma Sunday, 29th – 6.30 pm Tickets: A Rage Production `600, 525, 450 & 300/- (Members) An NCPA Presentation `800, 700, 600 & 400/- (Public) Tickets: (Plus GST) Chaturang is an old and rare form of `900, 600, 375 & 225/- (Members) Box Office now open Indian classical music that represents `1,200, 800, 500 & 300/- (Public) any raga in totality. Chaturang (Plus GST) international music comprises four components: tarana, Box Office now open

Jazz Vocalese Concert Chaturang Ki Chaupal, 29th, (Approx. 120 mins) Experimental Theatre Experimental Theatre Saturday, 28th – 7.00 pm

An NCPA Presentation

Vocalese is a style of jazz singing in which lyrics are created and sung to

48 • July 2018 NCPA Ashit Desai, 10th August, Tata Theatre An NCPA Presentation Tata Theatre Saturday, 11th August – 6.30 pm This international jazz quartet comprises As a part of the residency this year, the NCPA Pradyumna Manot on piano, Megan invites Srjan, a premier Odissi dance institute Powers from the US on vocals, Sava founded in 1993 by the eminent Odissi dancer, Boyadzhiev of Bulgaria on drums and choreographer and teacher Kelucharan Aditya Servaia on bass. This acoustic quartet Mohapatra. The performance includes some will play an evening of world-class jazz from of the finest choreographies of the legendary swing and bebop to Latin, hardbop and What’s Next man as well as some new choreographies modern jazz. Expect a powerhouse evening AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018 by his son and student, SNA awardee of exciting jazz music. (Programmes are subject to change. Please check the website and refer to our emails for updated information.) Ratikant Mohapatra. The evening will Kaajal Oza Vaidya, 10th also have Jhelum Paranjape and Daksha Tickets: `1,000, 800, 500 & 300/- August, Tata Mashruwala, senior dancers from Mumbai (Plus GST) Theatre INDIAN MUSIC Hariharan, 5th you with popular forms of international who have learnt from the maestro, pay a Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th August, Tata Theatre music that have become anthems of different fitting tribute to the noted guru. July for Public NCPA Bandish genres such as R’n’B, soul, rock, blues, pop, A Tribute to Legendary Indian swing, Latin, funk and neo funk and soul, all Tickets: theatre Composers performed live with a tight, lilting, peppy, `450, 375 & 225/- (Members) Tata Theatre entertaining sound, allowing for solos and `600, 500 & 300/- (Public) Aavo Mari Saathe Friday, 3rd to Sunday, 5th August – improvisation with a jazzy twist. (Inclusive of GST) Variety Revue (105 mins) 6.30 pm Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th Tata Theatre composers of Carnatic music: Kshetrayya and Tickets: `750 & 500/- (Plus GST) July for Public Friday, 17th August (Parsi New Year) – Supported by HSBC Pachimiriyam Adiappayya. Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th 5.00 pm & 7.30 pm July for Public INDIAN MUSIC Remembering Kelucharan Wednesday, 22nd August (Khordad Sal) The three-day festival will showcase some Tickets: Mohapatra – 7.00 pm of the most treasured works of the great `375, 300 & 240/- (Members) theatre Shraddha na Surnamey: Film Screening & Talk (90 mins) composers, presented by eminent artistes. `500, 400 & 320/- (Public) A Presentation in Gujarati Godrej Dance Theatre An NCPA Production for the Adi Marzban Item By Ashit Desai & Group with Kaajal Sunday, 12th August – 5.00 pm Endowment Fund 3rd August 5th August Hindi Play (120 mins) Oza Vaidya Raghunandan Panshikar Singers: Hariharan, Suresh Experimental Theatre Tata Theatre An evening remembering Kelucharan This fresh new production showcases Parsi Jayateerth Mevundi Wadkar, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Sunday, 5th August – 4.00 pm & 7.00 pm Friday, 10th August – 6.30 pm Mohapatra with the screening of a film on theatre’s best in the form of Ruby and (approx. 150 mins) Vibhavari Apte Joshi & him. The session will also include an informal Burjor Patel and Bomi Dotiwala as guest Penaz Masani An NCPA Presentation In association with Kilachand exchange between his senior students artistes, along with a fine ensemble cast of Raghunandan Panshikar will pay tribute Music Conductor: Ashit Desai Foundation about the dance workshops he frequently acting and singing talents which include to his legendary mentors: Kishori Amonkar Anchor: Atul Tiwari Item looks at the B-grade film world through Supported by Excel Industries Ltd. conducted at the NCPA in the 1980s and ’90s. Pervein & Shahrukh Irani, Delna Mody, and her mother Mogubai Kurdikar, with (approx. 120 mins) the eyes of L. Rakesh, an assistant to superstar Kayo Billimoria, Shazneen Acharya and a presentation of some of their iconic Sapna. Rakesh, as a sensitive narrator, The second event in the ‘Selfie Sanskruti’ series Admission free on a first-come-first- others along with glamorous dancers from compositions. Jayateerth Mevundi will To mark the birth centenary of the legendary introduces us to all the milestones of this film will showcase the theme of faith. served basis. the Hormuzd Khambatta Dance Company. showcase some memorable compositions music director Jaidev, his protégés, followers actress’s life while exposing the objectification Indian philosophy offers two paths to realise This production has riotous gags such as a of two maestros: Amir Khan (Surrang) and and admirers, including well-known playback of the female body, the male chauvinistic the divine: sagun and nirgun, in which divinity Odissi Dance Workshop spoof on the newly formed Parsi Panchayat Ramashreya Jha (Ramrang). singers, come together to present a bouquet media that exploits a woman’s image to sell its is expressed with and without form and West Room 1 interviewed by Arnab Goswami, the Lagan of of unforgettable songs composed by him in products and the toll it takes on Sapna. attributes, respectively. Sunday, 12th & Monday, 13th August Prince Harry and many more. Tickets: an inimitable style. (11.00 am onwards) `375, 300 & 240/- (Members) Item has bagged two METAs (Mahindra Tickets: Directed by Jim Vimadalal `500, 400 & 320/- (Public) Tickets: Excellence in Theatre) – 2018 Best Play `600, 375, 225 & 90/- (Members) Renowned dancer and choreographer Produced by Hormuzd Khambatta `900, 675, 540 & 375/- (Members) and Best Actor in a Lead Role `800, 500, 300 & 120/- (Public) Ratikant Mohapatra will conduct an Odissi Mentored by Sam Kerawalla 4th August `1,200, 900, 720 & 500/- (Public) (Inclusive of GST) dance workshop at the NCPA. T. M. Krishna (Inclusive of GST) Music: Gandhaar Sangoram Box Office: 26th July for Members & 29th Tickets: (approx. 90 mins) Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th Choreography: Spruha Kulkarni & July for Public Registration Fee: `2,000/- (Inclusive `1,125, 900, 600, 450, 300 & 150/- July for Public Bhargavi Sardesai of GST) (Members) A highly acclaimed Carnatic vocalist and Directed by Kshitish Date dance For combined or individual workshop `1,500, 1,200, 800, 600, 400 & 200/- an outstanding social commentator, T. M. international music Cast: Sainath Ganuwad, Dipti Kachare, registrations write to sdasgupta@ (Public) Krishna will present works of two celebrated Akshay Joshi, Siddharth Mahashabde & August Dance Residency ncpamumbai.com or call 6622 The Wunderkinds others Kelucharan Mohapatra’s Srjan 3822/70390 67878. T. M. Krishna, Experimental Theatre Saturday, 11th to Monday, 13th August 4th August, Tata Theatre Saturday, 4th August – 7.00 pm A Natak Company, Pune Production international music An NCPA Presentation An NCPA Presentation Tickets: Take 4 As part of the NCPA Performance Series, we `450 & 405/- (Members) International Jazz Quartet Aavo Mari Saathe, The Legacy of Kelucharan 17th & 22nd are presenting The Wunderkinds, showcasing `500 & 450/- (Public) Mohapatra Tata Theatre August, Tata talented young musicians who will entertain Box Office now open By Ratikant Mohapatra & Srjan (100 mins) Wednesday, 15th August – 7.00 pm Theatre

50 • July 2018 NCPA NCPA July 2018 • 51 (Inclusive of GST) passing subtle messages on sociocultural Box Office: 9th July for Members & 12th systems, typical human tendencies, customs Saturday, 8th September - 7.00 pm July for Public and traditions. Jamshed Bhabha Theatre dance Written & Directed by Satish Alekar Alexander Lazarev, conductor Music Compositions: Late Anand Modak Katherine Bicknell, flute Prateeksha Kashi, Musicians: Swapnil Kulkarni, Ketan Pawar, Daniella Iolkicheva, harp 24th August, Swanand Tarde & Manish Vipradas Experimental Theatre Cast: Nachiket Devasthali, Sayalee Mussorgsky: Introduction to Khovanshchina Phatak, Siddharth Mahashabde, Mozart: Flute & Harp Concerto Mayureshwar Kale & others Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

A Natak Company, Pune Production Wednesday, 12th September – 7.00 pm Jamshed Bhabha Theatre Tickets: `600, 450 & 300/- (Members) Marat Bisengaliev, conductor `800, 600 & 400/- (Public) Sevak Avanesyan, cello (Plus GST) Ganga to Kaveri Box Office now open Dvořák: Cello Concerto Multi-Dance Style Presentation Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 (100 mins) dance Experimental Theatre Sunday, 16th September – 5.00 pm Friday, 24th August – 6.30 pm Dancing the Gods – Through Jamshed Bhabha Theatre Form and Formless An NCPA-Utsav Music Presentation Multi-Dance Presentation (60 mins) Zane Dalal, conductor Godrej Dance Theatre Alexei Volodin, piano This production will take you river-rafting, with Sunday, 9th September – 5.00 pm traditional songs and dances that visualise the Mozart: Overture to The Abduction from beauty of various rivers of India. Rivers such as An NCPA Presentation the Seraglio Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra and Kaveri will Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 be portrayed by young celebrity artistes such This production presents the unique concept Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird as Vidha Lal (Kathak), Prateeksha Kashi of god as form or formless with dances (Kuchipudi), Vrinda Chadha (Odissi) and such as Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Tickets: `2,000, 1,600, 1,200, 800 & 500/- Lakshmi Gopalaswamy (Bharatanatyam). Mohiniattam by a group of talented young (plus GST) dancers such as Prachi Saathi, Pooja Pant, Tickets: Namrata Mehta and Saji Menon. Wednesday, 5th September – 7.00 pm `270 & 180/- (Members) Tata Theatre `300 & 200/- (Public) Tickets: Box Office: 26th July for Membes & 29th `180/- (Members) Nurit Stark, violin July for Public `200/- (Public) Cedric Pescia, piano Box Office: 9th August for Members & theatre 12th August for Public Mozart: Violin Sonata in C major No. 20, K303 Mahanirvan – The Dread Beethoven: Violin Sonata No.10, Op. 96 Departure Schubert: Fantasy in C major, D934 Marathi Play in Two Acts (120 mins) Tata Theatre Saturday, 15th September – 7.00 pm Sunday, 2nd September – 6.00 pm Tata Theatre

An NCPA Presentation Alexei Volodin, piano Autumn 2018 Season Mahanirvan has been considered as one Patron: Citi India Schumann / Liszt: Widmung of the most distinguished plays, a reputed Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor milestone in the history of Indian theatre. Tuesday, 4th September – 7.00 pm Tchaikovsky/Pletnev: Concert Suite from With 400 shows, translated in more than ten Jamshed Bhabha Theatre ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ languages, Mahanirvan is also a prescribed Balakirev: Islamey, Op. 18 text in literature curriculum at universities. Alexander Lazarev, conductor The play is performed in a lyrical/musical Nurit Stark, violin Tickets: `600, 500 & 300/- (plus GST) form using Maharashtrian folk music such as kirtan, gondhal, bhajan, abhang etc. The black Wagner: Prelude to Die Meistersinger Box Office: 13th July for Benefactors/ comedy aptly highlights the intricacies of Bloch: Violin Concerto Friends of the SOI, 16th July for NCPA human relations and emotional ethos, while Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 3 Members & 19th July for the Public

52 • July 2018 NCPA