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ON Stage
March 2019
volume 8 • issue 8
Beethoven’s Ode to Joy A momentous presentation by the SOI
The Gipsy Kings Young Living
by André Reyes Picasso Traditions
A concert to remember The master influencer Folk forms of Chhattisgarh
Cover Final.indd 1 19/02/19 2:39 PM
Contents
NCPA Chairman
Khushroo N. Suntook
Editorial Director
Radhakrishnan Nair
Editor-in-Chief
Oishani Mitra
Consulting Editor
14
Vipasha Aloukik Pai
Editorial Co-ordinator
Hilda Darukhanawalla
Art Director
Amit Naik
Deputy Art Directors
Hemali Limbachiya
Tanvi Shah
Advertising
Anita Maria Pancras
(advertising@ncpamumbai.com; 66223835)
Tulsi Bavishi
(tulsi@mansworldindia.com; 9833116584)
Senior Digital Manager
Jayesh V. Salvi
Cover credit
Photograph by Ben Ealovega
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
Reflections
18
With Kindness and Excellence
Mumbai – 400013 Getting territorial about treasures. The 23rd edition of the Artie’s festival
By Anil Dharker promises to be a delightful mix of
Materials in ON Stage cannot be reproduced in
smaller, classic pieces and two great
part or whole without the written permission
of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed
in this magazine are not necessarily those of
the publisher. All rights reserved.
10
A Giant Leap
works by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.
NCPA Booking Office
2282 4567/6654 8135/6622 3724
Zane Dalal traces the origin of the NCPA in a
familiar story that finds its voice again, in our
fiftieth anniversary celebrations.
21
Happy Birthday Michelangelo
www.ncpamumbai.com
The unlikely connection between
14
India’s first quadruple stamp and
the Sistine Chapel.
King of His Land
André Reyes, Grammy Award-winner
for Best World Music Album in 2013 and 22
Slice of life
one of the founders of the original Gipsy
Kings, is bringing the outstanding sounds The culture of Chhattisgarh is steeped
of the world-class band in a very special in song and dance that has been
performance at the NCPA. carried forward through centuries.
By Anurag Tagat By Vidhi Salla
Contents.indd 4 19/02/19 11:35 AM
26
Bridging the Divide
26
The Storyteller and his Bag of Myths
is Neeta Premchand’s exercise in
comparative mythology. Now,
the SOI Chamber Orchestra
along with the Ishara Puppet
Theatre Trust will bring her
series of children’s books to
life, portraying the confluence
of cultures and the underlying
sense of unity that the world has
long forgotten. By Beverly Pereira
29
Performing Arts: Dance
A monthly column that explores
any and every aspect of the
performing arts. This month,
dancer, choreographer and arts
entrepreneur Dr. Anita R Ratnam
writes about the current situation
44
of classical dance forms in India.
30 The Giver’s Hand
34
The NCPA finds creative ways
From Pablo to Picasso to fulfill its social responsibility
Throughout his life, Pablo Picasso and keep intact its fundamental
was the chosen one: a child aim of preservation of the
prodigy, a young success, an
performing arts.
insatiable outlier. It helped that
By Reshma O. Pathare
he was also a certified genius who
48
never stopped working. But how
did he come to be?
By Vipasha Aloukik Pai
The Operatic Impulse
How opera is being kept alive in
34
Moving towards Brightness
the English countryside by a few
lovers of the form.
By Ashutosh Khandekar
NCPA’s Nrityaparichay is a CSR
52
programme that seeks to teach
not only Indian dance, but
life lessons to children from Archives: Scholar, king
underprivileged backgrounds. and patron
By Benaifer J. Mirza V Raghavan discusses the legacy
of Swati Tirunal, the 19th-century
38
Curtain Call
Maharaja of the Kingdom of
Travancore, on classical dance.
Follow us on:
54
The theatrewallahs take centre
facebook.com/NCPAMumbai
stage to celebrate World Theatre
Day. By Devanshi Shah @NCPAMumbai
Programme Guide
All of March’s events at NCPAMumbai
40 the NCPA. youtube.com/user/TheNCPAMumbai1
The Music Makers: Volume 2
We take a closer look at some of
the people who have been an
64
What’s Next
integral part of the Symphony What to expect in the We look forward to your feedback and suggestions. Please do drop us an
Orchestra of India. following months. email at onstage@ncpamumbai.com.
Contents.indd 6 19/02/19 11:36 AM
A Giant Leap
Zane Dalal traces the origin of the NCPA in a familiar story that finds its
voice again, in our fiftieth anniversary celebrations.
H
alf a century is a milestone by any – on being the blowout final offering at Woodstock.
reckoning. 50 years ago – in 1969 – Four computers were connected to each other,
Neil Armstrong was the first man to creating an Internet Message Processor for the first
walk on the moon in that ’giant leap for time, introduced by the UCLA. The 21-year-old Prince
mankind’. In January that year, Marvin Charles was invested Prince of Wales at Caernarvon
Gaye performed ’I Heard It Through The Grapevine’. In Castle. The world’s population was a mere 3.5 billion.
December, Diana Ross, still part of The Supremes sang
’Someday We’ll Be Together’. In August that year, The Humble but ambitious
Rolling Stones gave us ‘Honky Tonk Women’. This was also the year Dr. Jamshed Bhabha founded
Richard Nixon was President of the United States, the National Centre for the Performing Arts
Watergate was yet to come, the Vietnam war raged on (NCPA) in Bombay – a dream shared by both him
and Jimi Hendrix insisted – somewhat unsuccessfully and his eminent brother Homi. Both of them were
Zane's Story.indd 10 19/02/19 3:03 PM
Martyn Brabbins conducted the SOI and
joint choirs from India and abroad in two
concerts featuring the works of Beethoven.
renaissance men, tied to the emergence of the Indian no surprise that JRD Tata looked first to Dr. Bhabha
nation during the time they lived, and both indelibly for strength and support, forging a now fabled and
linked with its future, providing legacies that affect legendary relationship. Land emerged where there
us today, in fine arts, culture, the performing arts, was none, reclaimed from the sea and stabilised
museums, the sciences, technology, engineering and to allow for venues worthy of his vision. After the
energy. Both surrounded themselves with strong Tata Theatre opened to great fanfare, it was only a
departments of administrative affairs and both set matter of time before the opera house that bears his
the stage for excellence in business administration name, was conjured and materialised. Even after the
and governance of all kinds. The NCPA had humble devastating fire, just as the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre
beginnings on Bhulabhai Desai Road. No one, with entered the completion phase, the ironclad will and
the exception of Dr. Bhabha and the few privileged perseverance that had marked his career remained
members of his côterie who knew his style, could have unflagging. I was privileged to meet him in 2007, the
foreseen what would become of those beginnings, year of his passing, and create my own personal link to
and exactly how mighty the oak from that first acorn our founder and chief benefactor.
would grow.
On a search for the ideal campus, time and again, The men who made it work
plots of land were shown, discussed and deemed Nevertheless, the theatres of the NCPA campus
unsuitable. Looking out at the stretch of water at remained relatively empty. For many months, the
Nariman Point, Dr. Bhabha exercised his two most opera house would lie dormant, without conditioning,
notable characteristics, genius and strong will. It is requiring fresh painting and carpeting every year
Zane's Story.indd 11 19/02/19 3:04 PM
The performance included the Kazakh State Philharmonic Capella with their chorus director Beimbet Demeuov, the Living
{
Voices Mumbai choir, The Bangalore Men choir and the Goa University Choir.
Perhaps Dr. Bhabha’s most lasting and influential
decision was in the selection of his successor,
Mr. Khushroo N. Suntook
}
after the monsoon. The smaller theatres had sporadic New Shores
attendance and the use of the campus had not Our audiences have tripled in size and enthusiasm,
become a fixture in the lives of Mumbaikars. Perhaps and represent a marvellous diversity of persons from
Dr. Bhabha’s most lasting and influential decision all backgrounds. The excitement generated amongst
was in the selection of his successor, Mr. Khushroo N. young and old alike is infectious, and we have managed
Suntook. Both men had a deep and abiding bond, with to create an international awareness that extends
Mr. Suntook serving as Vice-Chairman for a number from New York in the west to Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul
of years. in the east. I have been present for this recent phase
Both exercised the same views and innate ideas of the journey, privileged to maintain a hands-on role
about governance. Both knew instinctively, right with both the orchestra and the NCPA. Through the
from wrong. Both knew what was required and both many ups and downs, the global recession, the natural
were unrelenting in the pursuit of vision, despite and unnatural obstacles in our path – the clarion call
the odds, despite the naysayers and despite the and the setting of our meter was never in doubt. For
many obstacles that lay in their path. It is the stuff this courage and stability, we owe Mr. Suntook a debt
from which dreams become reality. Mr. Suntook of thanks.
took the helm with natural aplomb. An erudite This year, we performed Beethoven’s epic Ninth
man, a supporter of many visions, but particularly symphony for the second time – bringing together in
passionate about Western classical music, grand reality, flesh and blood, the intent of both Beethoven
opera, singing traditions and general excellence and the poet Schiller, whose writing speaks to us
in the performing arts, he proved very early in his across the ages about inclusion, brotherhood and the
stewardship that the NCPA would be entering a new joy available to all creatures no matter how lofty or
phase of growth, variety and stability with a constant lowly. Three national choirs – from Mumbai, Goa and
view to the horizon. Bengaluru – were joined by an international concert
The formation of the Symphony Orchestra of India choir from Kazakhstan. The orchestra, as from its
(SOI) in August 2006 was one such vision, providing earliest days, was a veritable United Nations – bringing
the city, and the nation, with its first professional to India a sense of communal purpose for our shared
orchestra. Naturally, performances of opera in the interest and love for great music, and taking back with
grand Italian tradition followed and thereafter, them the singular accomplishment of being India’s
month by month, year by year, the steady varnish internationally recognised symphony orchestra.
has given not only the orchestra but the NCPA its Just after this February season in Mumbai, we
current lustre, sheen and provenance. It is almost embarked on our first tour of the United Kingdom,
impossible to quantify the changes and the quantum a six-concert five-city tour that traverses London,
leap forward undertaken in the last decade, but it Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Guildford. We
is equally impossible to imagine the NCPA without were presented by IMG, no less, through the toil and
these current offerings, enjoyed by so many. unceasing labour of our Chairman. We took great
12 • March 2019 NCPA
Zane's Story.indd 12 19/02/19 3:21 PM
Vocal superstars (2nd row, from L to R):
Sophie Bevan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers,
Amar Muchhala and Neal Davies.
If Dr. Bhabha were alive today, he would
be delighted to see the NCPA flourish as it
does – with over 700 performances a year.
Those of you who visit the NCPA have seen
the variety of offerings from theatre, Indian
music, Western classical music, dance and
a number of ancillary events which include
live screenings from the National Theatre
in London, the MET Opera in New York, the
Bolshoi Ballet, etc. and large initiatives to train
our talented Indian children in the wonders of
both Western and Indian music instruments.
To all of you who read this piece, and have
become our natural bed of support, thank
solace in travelling on our fifth international tour to you! We strive to make a difference in your lives, and
prove not only our worth but to ensure that the efforts the lives of our children who represent the new, bright
made by Dr. Bhabha, and brought to fruition by Mr. hope of tomorrow. If we have succeeded in some
Suntook, will be well-served. There, in a nutshell, is small way, we are privileged to share your journey.
the mission of the NCPA and the SOI. For those of us who are entrusted to work on this
We are on a steep trajectory – and we wish for project, it is in many ways ‘a giant leap for the city and
another decade as promising and as exciting as this the nation’.
one has been. We know the course, and will stay
the course. We also remember Dr. Bhabha’s words Zane Dalal serves as Associate Music Director
resounding in our ears – “When the cause is good, of the Symphony Orchestra of India. He is a
the means will follow”. This axiom at the heart of all frequent contributor to ON Stage and blogs at
success, spurs us on to greater endeavours which we www.zanedalal.com/blog. Join him for the new ‘Coffee
{ }
are certain will bring greater satisfaction. and Conversation’ initiative in September.
We have managed to create an international awareness
that extends from New York in the west to
Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul in the east
The SOI led by Zane Dalal in an open
rehearsal with around 800 children
from schools across the city.
NCPA March 2019 • 13
Zane's Story.indd 13 19/02/19 3:22 PM
ARCHIVES
Scholar, king and patron
ON Stage brings you excerpts from the NCPA Quarterly Journal, an unsurpassed literary archive
that ran from 1972 to 1988 and featured authoritative and wide-ranging articles. In this article,
V Raghavan discusses the legacy of Swati Tirunal, the 19th-century Maharaja of the Kingdom of
Travancore, on classical dance.
Swati Tirunal has a place in the the boughs of the tree, cuckoos
history of Indian classical dance. His coo poignantly. He gave me his
kritis are often heard in our concerts word of honour and it abides in
but it may not be so widely known that my heart. That Padmanabha, Lord
of the 300 and odd compositions by of Lakshmi, the remover of all
the Maharaja, a substantial part, over sufferings, the speaker of honeyed
80, relate to dance. The presence of words, and He, of the soft smiles,
Vadivelu (of the Tanjore Quartette) do make Him benign towards me!
at his court added this additional I am lying here alone with my arm
dimension to the Maharaja’s creative for a pillow. Who is there to protect
efforts and his zest for this art. Their me but Him? Where can the Ganga
collaboration was most fruitful and go except to the sea? Go to my
the Maharaja’s work is further proof of Lord, see that my heart’s desire for
the fact that music and dance are two realising manifold happiness with
lotuses borne on the same stalk. my Lord is fulfilled. The night has
Tanjore Subba Rao, initially the drawn to a close; the sun is already
Maharaja’s tutor and then his Dewan, on the east, ending the koka bird’s
was himself a lover of music and dance, separation from its companion.
and was instrumental in bringing to The cool, fragrant morning breeze
the Maharaja’s court famous devadasi is blowing from the south. Ah! My
dancers from Tanjore, Srirangam, dear girl, bring quickly to me that
Tiruchendur and other centres in abode of excellence and taste, Lord
the Tamil country. Subba Rao wrote Padmanabha.” The meaning of the
in one of his letters that there was varna helps the spectator to follow
no end to music and dance in the it as it is being sung. One can notice
palace. The visit and performances the svarakshara beauties which start
of the Sadir artistes from the Tamil with the beginning of the pallavi
districts were responsible for the The Maharaja’s dance- itself. A pada-varna is compared
development of the solo performance to a kriti, a multi-splendored
called Mohiniattam, whose origins compositions cover all forms thing which has to be watched
and evolution in Kerala are otherwise
obscure.
of dance music, chowka or very closely with knowledge and
attention. The build-up of the
pada-varnas, svarajatis, padas, interlaced jatis in the different
Unique creations nadais, the alternating svara-sahitya
The Maharaja’s dance-compositions javalis and tillanas passages, the repeated endings of
cover all forms of dance music, chowka progressively increasing bars of the
or pada-varnas, svarajatis, padas, javalis of the Tanjore Quartette: for example, svaras in a particular svara, the Muttayi
and tillanas. Of his chowka or pada-varnas, Sa Vama Rusha in Kamas has its Telegu or Ettukkada Pallavi and the sequence of
17 of them are in Sanskrit, and his skill is counterpart in Sami Ni Rammanave; Dani svara and sahitya passages, which return
seen not only in the use of this medium for Samajendra in Todi has its counterpart, not to the Ettukkada Pallavi, the tatti-muttus
the expression of the moods and feelings in Danike in the same raga, but in another in each, in which the song, the attam and
of love, but also for the attainment of in the same raga, Dani Sati. the abhinaya figure together – all these
Svarakshara beauties. The texts of some of In Dani Samajendra, the nayika, pining make the pada-varnas unique creations
these pada-varnas have not been correctly in separation (virahotkanthita) speaks to in the history of dance in any part of
handed down or printed and I had to put her sakhi of the pangs of suffering. “Since the world.
in some hard work on the texts of two of Lord Padmanabha does not come, I suffer.
these Sanskrit pada-varnas (Sa Vama The vernal days which delight women A scholarly body of work
Rusha in Kamas and Dani Samajendra in are barren for me because they have been Swati Tirunal was also a linguist.
Todi). Some of these Sanskrit varnas have ignored by Lord Padmanabha. Every Although his main linguistic medium
a common dhatu with the Telegu varnas night I think of Him. The bees sing; on for creative work was Sanskrit, he
52 • March 2019 NCPA
FOB Archives.indd 42 18/02/19 3:04 PM
composed in Malayalam, Telegu and Khandita Nayikas feature prominently All that you say is true. Listen! Is not
also in Hindustani. Naturally, he knew since they are the most common ones. this mark on your lip
Tamil, which was in closest proximity That of the lovable Shri Padmanabha
to his mother-tongue. So far, no Tamil Songs of love and despair who has had a happy time with you?
compositions of his are known. But I One of the padas depicts the rare nayika-
was lucky to learn of his Tamil varna in type called Duti-sambhoga-vanchita, For poetic charm, we may cite the Surati
Kalyani and Adi which KP Sivanandam, one betrayed by the messenger girl who pada (Manasi-Madana-Tapam) in which
descendant of Vadivelu, brought to my went to bring the incorrigible nayaka the nayaka addresses the nayika. The lover
notice from his family manuscripts. but succumbed to his advances. This compares his mind to a poor deer. It is hit
Many years ago, I collected, in my own is a type depicted by Amaruka and, by the arrows of the hunter Cupid, now
native place, Tiruvarur, some palm leaf following him, a few Sanskrit poets. A caught in the dark thickets of the beloved’s
music manuscripts, one of which was Tamil pada on this theme is the one in heavy tresses, now climbing the mountains
full of shabdas; two of these shabdas were Saveri – Unnait toodanuppinen ennadi of her high breasts, and then descending.
on Swati Tirunal and were unknown nadandadu ulladu uraippai sakhiye (I Then there is the Telegu pada of Swati
in Kerala and I published them in the sent you as my messenger. What actually Tirunal and another in Malayalam or
Journal of the Music Academy, Manipravala. The first is Valaputala in
Madras. Music manuscripts in the Swati Tirunal was also a Athana. It is a lady’s plaint addressed
Tanjore district are, therefore, likely to the sakhi. “Can I endure the effects
to yield more discoveries of music linguist, and although his of this love? Is it proper for my Lord to
material relating to Swati Tirunal.
Personally, I think Swati Tirunal
main linguistic medium tarry like this? My girl! Padmanabha,
beautiful like the flower-arrowed
touched the high watermark of his for creative work was Lord of Love has ignored me now.
creative work in his padas. There Ever since I was young, I have believed
are at least 66 padas of the Maharaja Sanskrit, he composed in that He was very compassionate
so far known: 50 in Malayalam or
Manipravalam, 11 in Sanskrit and
Malayalam, Telegu and also towards me. My heart was completely
overpowered by Cupid. My luck has
5 in Telegu. Of the 33 ragas used in Hindustani deserted me.”
for these padas, six are rare ones: The second pada is
Purvakambhoji, Malavasri, Saindhavi, happened? Tell me the truth). Following Jalajabandhumiha in Surati. Here also the
Ghanta, Gauri and Navarasa. He also more closely is the Sanskrit verse Svasah separated lady addresses the sakhi. “The
created a long unusual Ragamalika pada Kim, Tvarita Gamad, on this nayika type. sun is dipping into the sea. The southern
in eight ragas ending with Bibhas or Swati Tirunal had a Manipravala pada in breeze begins to blow. Alas, my friend, I
Bhupala. An interesting fact about this Poorvakambhoji, in tala Atanta (Kamini am no longer able to control my mind. It
varna is that there is a Telegu counterpart mani sakhi tava mukha innu). Seeing the is difficult to tell you how intense are my
of this on Lord Venkateshwara, supplying different patent marks of dalliance on the pangs of love. Delusion is overtaking my
sahitya for the chittasvara portion maid’s limbs, the nayika questions her; mind; my limbs are sagging. The breeze
and with raga Ahiri in place of raga the maid gives her evasive replies and is from the flower-garden, the warblings of
Nadanamakriya. Among the padas of finally caught: the bees, increase my suffering, O friend!”
the Maharaja which are better known Then an example of the Maharaja’s
are Kalakanthi (Nilambari), Valapu Tala My friend, you most lovable one. javalis, the one in Behag, in which the
(Athana), Alarsaraparitapam (Surati), Why has your face perspired so much? lady asks Lord Padmanabha why he is not
Itusahasamulu (Saveri) and Aliveni Because of the heat of the sun. speaking to her.
(Kurunji). The invitation (in recent Finally, a Sanskrit verse of the Maharaja,
years) to several dancers to the Navratri Why have your beautiful eyes become a prayer addressed to Lord Padmanabha,
mandapam recital in Trivandrum redder? in which the names of the ragas Kalyani,
provided an opportunity for learning Your lover uttered all manner of things Mohana, Saranga and Shankarabharana
more padas of the Maharaja. and I grew angry on your behalf. are skilfully worked in through shlesha or
In the Sanskrit padas, there are echoes double-meaning words.
of Jayadeva and Kshetrajna. Viditam Young lady, your dark tresses are all “May the Lord whose very mention is
Te (Surati) and Sadhu Jane Tavasayam dishevelled, why? auspicious and who destroys the sins of all
(Athana), both depicting the Khandita Well, a breeze has been blowing all along the three worlds, He whose beauty is the
Nayika, bear the impress of one of the the way. one thing infatuating to the eyes of all the
ashtapadis in Canto VIII of the Gita gopis, He who quickly came and saved the
Govinda (Yahi Madhava Yahi Kesava), How has the kumkum paste been helpless elephant in fright, caught by the
with an expression which is close to rubbed off? crocodile, He whose arms are long like the
Jayadeva in some places. In Entu Mama Through drawing over my upper garment serpents adorning the body of Shri Shiva,
Sadanattil in Kalyani, the offended lady too often. May that Lord Keshava protect you all!”
sarcastically asks her erring lover whether
he had come to a wrong house, mistaking Your whole body is emaciated! This article first appeared in the NCPA
hers for that of the other woman. In the Ah! I went up and down to him so many Quarterly Journal in September &
Sanskrit pieces, Virahotkanthita and times for you. December 1982 (Vol. IX, Nos. 3 & 4).
NCPA March 2019 • 53
FOB Archives.indd 43 18/02/19 3:05 PM
Programme Guide (Programmes are subject to change. Please check the website and refer to our emails for updated information.) March 2019
THEATRE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DANCE FILMS / SCREENINGS
INDIAN MUSIC WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY MULTI ARTS
Magic Moments, 1st to 10th, Omkar Agnihotri, platforms including Zee Marathi’s Sa
Piramal Art Gallery 1st, West Room 1
Re Ga Ma Pa and All India Radio.
Admission on a first-come-first-
served basis. NCPA members will
get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.
theatre
photogrpahy Introduction to Chhau
A Workshop by Lakshika Pandey
Magic Moments Experimental Garden
Photography Exhibition Saturday, 2nd & Sunday, 3rd,
By Dr. Mukesh Batra Saturday, 9th & Sunday, 10th &
Piramal Art Gallery Saturday, 16th & Sunday, 17th –
Friday, 1st to Sunday, 10th – Saurabh Kadgaonkar,
8.00 am to 9.00 am
12.00 pm to 8.00 pm 1st, West Room 1
An NCPA Presentation
Dr. Mukesh Batra, an eminent
Homeopath and Padma Shri recipient, Chhau is a great way to condition
whose work takes him around the the body and mind, especially
globe, fulfils his passion by taking for actors and performers. It uses
striking visual images for the benefit of the raw and grounded energy of
the visually-challenged. His exhibition animals. Chhau has fluid feminine
this year displays his collection of and vigorous masculine movements,
photographs from his visit to Italy. He (melody and percussion instruments). which provide a perfect ground for
captures the scintillating moments of This series is launched to showcase discovering and harmonising male and
Roman splendour and the picturesque the beneficiaries of the above female energies within a performer.
beauty of its countryside. schemes. Born in a family of musicians, Participants will learn how to use the
Omkar Agnihotri started training in techniques of martial chhau, a set of
Entry Free. harmonium and vocals at the tender body conditioning routines which
age of two and a half under the will open joints, increase flexibility
indian music guidance of his grandfather, Surmani and strength, develop endurance and
Uttamrao Agnihotri, followed by increase fitness. Lakshika Pandey
CITI-NCPA Promising advanced harmonium training under is an artiste with over a decade of
Artistes Series Vishwanath Kanhere and Siraj Khan. experience in the fields of theatre,
Omkar Agnihotri (harmonium) Agnihotri has performed in India and dance and movement in traditional
Saurabh Kadgaonkar (khayal) abroad, including solo harmonium and contemporary fields of performing
(approx. 90 mins) performances in Singapore. Saurabh arts. She has trained in Bharatanatyam,
West Room 1 Kadgaonkar has an M.A. in Vocal
Friday, 1st - 6.30 pm Music, Sangeet Visharad in vocal Lakshika Pandey, 2nd to 17th,
Experimental Garden
music and harmonium. He studied
Prominent among the various classical and light vocal music from
initiatives undertaken by Citi and his father Sunil Kadgaonkar and today,
the NCPA are two schemes: Support he is a senior disciple of Raghunandan
to Gurus and Scholarships to Young Panshikar, who was a disciple of
Musicians. These programmes are in Kishori Amonkar. He has won several
the field of Hindustani vocal (dhrupad accolades and has performed all
and khayal) and instrumental music over India in concerts and national
54 • March 2019 NCPA
Programme Guide.indd 54 19/02/19 10:39 AMchhau, contemporary dance and yoga. Carmen, 3rd, of yesterday and today, completely
Godrej Dance
She has attended the Trinity Laban Theatre
rearranged in classic jazz, swing and
Conservatoire of Music and Dance other classic genres. They will also play
(U.K.) and London Contemporary some of the greatest jazz standards
Dance School (U.K.). She is an including originals. The ensemble has
internationally certified yogacharya played all over India and the U.S. This
from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, Mumbai. genre-bending performance, which
traverses many languages and musical
Suggested Age: 16+ styles, is a must for all lovers of music.
Registration Fee: Tickets:
`2,250/- (Members) Carmen is a half-wild gypsy living with `800, 500 & 300/-
`2,500/- (Public) a band of smugglers in the mountains (Plus GST)
(Plus GST) near the coast of Spain. Set in the year Box Office now open
Registration starts from 9th 1830 in Seville, the opera shows the love
February and jealousy of Don José, who is lured western classical music
For enquiry: 66223721 or email: away from his duty as a soldier and his
theatre@ncpamumbai.com beloved Micaëla, by Carmen, whom he Artie’s Festival March
allows to escape from custody. 2019, 23rd Edition
western classical music (approx. 120 mins each day)
Conductor: Louis Langrée Experimental Theatre
Spring Concert in Production: Sir Richard Eyre Tuesday, 5th & Thursday, 7th –
Mumbai Cast: Clémentine Margaine, 7.00 pm
(approx. 210 mins) Aleksandra Kurzak, Roberto Alagna
Godrej Dance Theatre & Alexander Vinogradov An NCPA Presentation
Saturday, 2nd – 1.00 pm
Tickets: Clarisse Dalles, soprano
A piano concert by Japanese children `500/- Mathilde Borsarello Herrmann,
living in Mumbai and taking piano `250/- (only for students on violin
lessons from two teachers, as a production of valid ID cards) Gauthier Herrmann, cello
volunteer club activity. This concert was Box Office now open Jean-Michel Dayez, piano
named after one of the most beautiful
seasons in Japan. In mid spring, cherry international music Artie’s Festival returns for their 23rd
blossoms are in full bloom and create a Edition, with a rising star in soprano
condition resembling a haze, which falls The Ash Chandler Redux Clarisse Dalles. With some known and
within a short time creating a beautiful – Live in Concert unknown pieces in the repertoire, the
shower of bloom. The Japanese feel a (approx. 120 mins) festival musicians will bring their usual
sense of gracefulness in such scenery Tata Theatre charm, wit and freshness to the high
which makes spring a special season. Sunday, 3rd – 7.00 pm level of chamber music performances.
In this concert, the children will present Started as a collaboration between the
the result of their daily practice. Besides An NCPA Presentation NCPA and cellist Gauthier Herrmann,
piano solos and duets, there will also the festival director, the Artie’s will
be ballet music, flute and vocal opera The Ash Chandler Redux will showcase soon embark on a tour of ‘Around the
performances as well. the musical skills of Ash Chandler on World in 80 concerts’.
vocals backed by Rahul Wadhwani
Admission passes will be available on keyboard, Keith Donald on bass, 5th March
for Members, on a first-come-first- Ulric Sequeira on guitar, Anand Vaity Dvořák: Trio in E minor Op. 90 ‘Dumky’
served basis, at the venue an hour on saxophone and Horace Karzai Arvo Pärt: Fratres
prior to the show. on drums and some surprise guest
artistes. This versatile ensemble will Clarisse Dalles,
5th & 7th,
screening play some of the most iconic songs Experimental
Theatre
Carmen
by Georges Bizet
Opera Screening (201 mins)
Sung in French with English
Subtitles
Godrej Dance Theatre
Sunday, 3rd – 5.00 pm
An NCPA – The Metropolitan Opera The Ash Chandler Redux,
3rd, Tata Theatre
(New York) Presentation
NCPA March 2019 • 55
Programme Guide.indd 55 19/02/19 10:41 AMDavid Popper: Hungarian Rhapsody is supported by other vocalists and male dancers from the Pando, Rajwar,
Ravel: Kaddish instruments like tabla, dholak, banjo, Kanwar and Gond tribes of the Sarguja
and Songs by Tosti, Obradors, Poulenc manjira and chatka. region. Usually performed after the
& Duparc harvest season, the costume includes a
Panthi Dance peacock feather stuck to the headgear,
7th March by Dinesh Jangade & Group and the dancers move in circles to the
Cesar Franck: Violin and Piano sonata As one of the most important folk dance accompaniment of mandar, bansuri
Arvo Pärt: Spiegel im Spiegel forms from Durg region, it is performed and jhanjh.
Rachmaninoff: Elégie Op. 3 No. 1 during the Satnami community ritual.
and Songs and Italian arias It is based on a combination of steps Lok Natya: Raja Foklawa
and movements accompanied by by Rakesh Tiwari & Group
Tickets: instruments like mandar and jhanj.
Raja Foklawa, 9th,
`600 & 400/- (plus GST) Experimental
Box Office now open Lok Natya: Dasmat Theatre
by Rakesh Tiwari & Group
indian music
Dasmat, 8th,
Experimental
Living Traditions: Theatre
Festival of Chhattisgarh
(approx. 120 mins each day)
Experimental Theatre
8th & 9th March - 6.30 pm This modern-day adaptation of a
popular folk tale depicts major folk-
An NCPA Presentation forms like Nacha, Tharthari, Pandavani,
Supported by Godrej Industries Chandaini, Panthi, Karma, Bans and
Bihav. It is a story upholding the
‘Living Traditions’ is our ongoing series Presented on International Women’s significance of moral values in human
showcasing folk traditions of different Day, the main character of this story is life. The principal character is Foklawa,
regions of India. This year the focus princess Dasmat, the spirited daughter a young man who becomes a king.
is on Chhattisgarh, a heavily forested of Raja Bhoj. It depicts her moral
state rich in natural resources in Central courage to stand against all odds to Daily Tickets:
India. Recognised for its capability to uphold the dignity of herself and her `135 & 90/- (Members)
generate electricity and produce steel, husband. `150 & 100/- (Public)
the state is also known for its artistically Box Office now open
built temples and scenic waterfalls. Saturday, 9th March
Presence of a number of different international music
tribes residing across the vast expanse Sufi & Folk Bhajan
of the state and their subdialects brings by Madan Chauhan The Secret Garden III
about a cultural amalgamation. As a Celebrating International Women’s
result, the culture of Chhattisgarh is Day ’19
immersed with varieties of dance forms (approx. 150 mins)
ensconced in rituals and lyrical song- The Secret Garden
forms dedicated to gods and nature. Entry from Gate No. 3
These presentations are characterised Friday, 8th – 7.30 pm
by colourful costumes, accessories,
folk instruments and skilled body An NCPA Presentation
movements including mesmerising
Madan Chauhan, 9th,
acrobatic gestures. Over the two days, Experimental Theatre This edition of The Secret Garden
six well-known troupes from various celebrates women. The repertoire will
parts of Chhattisgarh will present two The cultural history of Chhattisgarh include works of revolutionary female
forms each of music, dance and folk elucidates harmonious coexistence singers like Whitney Houston, Beyoncé,
theatre. of diverse faiths. This presentation Adele, Lady Gaga, Ella Fitzgerald,
is based on a tradition prevalent for
Friday, 8th March long in this region, of performing folk
bhajans along with Sufi repertoire
Pandavani recounting teachings of Ghasidas,
by Prabha Yadav & Group Kabir, Vallabhacharya and other saint
Identified as the characteristic art philosophers.
form from Chhattisgarh, Pandavani is
a solo portrayal of the Pandavas – the Sheila Dance
main focus being the epic battle of by Balam Say & Group
the Mahabharata. The main performer This stick-dance is performed by the The Secret Garden III, 8th, The Secret Garden
56 • March 2019 NCPA
Programme Guide.indd 56 19/02/19 10:43 AMAretha Franklin and more. Join us as we contact 66223831 or write to Tickets:
take you on a journey like never before us at ncpamusicworkshops@ `7,500, 6,500, 5,500, 5,000, 4,000,
to celebrate International Women’s gmail.com 3,500, 3,000 & 1,500/- (Inclusive of
Day, featuring an all-star ensemble at GST)
an open-air venue. international music Box Office now open
Tickets: Gipsy Kings by André international music
`1,000/- (Inclusive of GST) Reyes Matteo Fraboni, 10th,
Partial seating/standing event Special Guests Mario Reyes and Experimental Theatre
Box Office now open Chico Castillo
India Premiere Live
indian music (approx. 90 mins)
Tata Theatre
Training Sessions in Saturday, 9th – 7.00 pm
Dhrupad
Conducted by Umakant & Ramakant An NCPA Presentation
Gundecha
Supported by their Disciples Grammy Award Winner for the Best
West Room 1 World Music Album 2013 and eight-
Saturday, 9th – 11.00 am to 1.00 pm time Grammy Award nominee, André
& 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm Reyes (guitar and vocals) from Gipsy
Kings sings in different styles that
In collaboration with Dhrupad include mainly traditional and popular
Sansthan Bhopal Nyas elements of flamenco and rumba. The
concert will feature luxury guests, like Matteo Fraboni Quintet
Dhrupad is the oldest surviving genre Mario Reyes and Chico Castillo, to make Jazz Concert
of Hindustani music. The tradition is everyone dance to great hits such (approx. 120 mins)
reputed for following special training as ‘Bamboleo’, ‘Volare’ and ‘La Dona’, Experimental Theatre
methods to groom facets like voice, among others. Gipsy Kings consists of Sunday, 10th – 7.00 pm
breath control, pitch control and two sets of brothers: the Reyes (Nicolas,
systematic delineation of composition. Canut, Paul, Patchai, André) and the An NCPA Presentation
We offer a special opportunity to train Baliardos (Tonino, Paco, Diego). Both
with the internationally renowned groups consist of children from Spanish The quintet of one of the youngest
exponents of this art form, Umakant gypsy families that had fled to France talents of jazz music, Italian drummer
and Ramakant Gundecha, and their to escape the Civil War in Spain. They and composer Matteo Fraboni, will
senior disciples. Following topics will grew up roaming the south of France, play his original compositions from
be covered in the sessions: working the crops and playing music. the new album called Matteo Fraboni
1. Science of svara and raga In 1987, their third album, titled Gipsy Quintet - India Jazz Vol.1, entirely
2. Voice culture training for raga music Kings, introduced the world to songs recorded and produced in Mumbai
3. Music and Yoga - Nadayoga in Dhrupad like ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’, with a new quintet formed by young
4. Study of laya and tala which were huge international hits. talents of the Indian jazz scene
The sessions will be conducted every Since then, the Gipsy Kings have never like Shirish Malhotra on tenor sax
month to maintain continuity. stopped singing around the world. This and flute, Jarred Rodriks on alto sax,
March, Gipsy Kings by André Reyes will Niranjan Joshi on piano and Philip
Enrolment Fee: `1,000/- (plus GST) be performing in India for the first time Meshcheryakov on double bass. The
for one session of 2 hours. A limited ever. repertoire includes some arrangements
number of registrations will be of famous songs by Oscar-winner
accepted. For enquiries regarding A.R. Rahman, who collaborated with
Gipsy Kings by André Reyes,
batches, timing and registration: 9th, Tata Theatre Fraboni. This promises to be an evening
of fine jazz music from NCPA.
Tickets:
`750 & 500/-
(Plus GST)
Box Office now open
theatre
Laughter Therapy
English Play (120 mins)
Ramakant Gundecha, Tata Theatre
9th, West Room 1
Sunday, 10th – 7.00 pm
NCPA March 2019 • 57
Programme Guide.indd 57 19/02/19 10:44 AMA Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Parsi vocalist who has had the privilege of Tata Theatre
walk into a therapy session at Dr. training with great masters like Gyan Monday, 11th – 3.00 pm
Bombay’s clinic to help cope with Prakash Ghosh and Munawar Ali
various mental issues in their lives. The Khan, Chakrabarty has been a guru Supported by Kotak Mahindra
result is total chaos. We get a glimpse to several students at the ITC-SRA and Bank Limited
of the four religions in their domestic Shrutinandan, Kolkata. Applications
environment as we go into the are invited from vocalists of Hindustani Close to 150 students from three
characters’ homes and witness their music (khayal and /or thumri). different schools – Dharmaveer
relationships with various people in Preference will be given to those with Sambhaji Vidyalaya from Vikhroli,
their lives. Five actors play 35 characters at least a ‘B’ grade of the AIR. Dnyandeep Seva Mandal High
in this play. School, Nerul, and Bal Jeevan Trust,
A limited number of students will Vakola – will showcase an evening of
Written & Directed by Meherzad Patel be admitted to participate in the folk dances and martial art forms from
Cast: Mona Singh, Sajeel Parakh, workshop. around the country. This will include
Danesh Irani, Meherzad Patel, A limited number of students will also the dance form of the fisherfolk
Danesh Khambata & Siddharth be enrolled as observers. (Koli) of Maharashtra, mallakhamb
Merchant which is a traditional Maharashtrian
Registration Fee: `1,500/- (Plus sport in which a gymnast performs
A Silly Point Production GST) for 3 days aerial yoga postures with a vertical
Observers: `300/- per day hanging rope, Mayurbhanj chhau
Tickets: from Odisha, jogva from Maharashtra,
`1,500, 1,125, 900, 750, 525 & 375/- Registration starts on 26th garba from Gujarat and vyam
(Members) February (exercises) from Kerala. A classical
`2,000, 1,500, 1,200, 1,000, 700 & For enquiry: Ms. Taronish: performance in Kathak will also be
500/- (Public) 66223831 / ncpamusicworkshops@ showcased by the students.
(Inclusive of GST) gmail.com
Box Office now open Experimental Theatre
dance Thursday, 14th – 4.00 pm
indian music
NCPA Nrityaparichay Supported by Larsen and Toubro
Guru in Residence Folk Dance Training for School Limited
Workshop on Bandish in Hindustani Children
Music Annual Performances by Students In their third year of training, 120
Conducted by Ajoy Chakrabarty 11th, 14th & 15th March students from Green Lawns English
West Room 1 High School, Powai, will present a
Monday, 11th to Wednesday, 13th An NCPA Presentation total of four dance forms. Level 2 of
– 10.00 am to 1.00 pm & 2.30 pm to the Manipuri traditional dances will
5.30 pm NCPA Nrityaparichay is a CSR initiative, be presented, namely manjiranartan
supported by corporates, which which is a dance with cymbals in
An NCPA Presentation seeks to impart folk dance training the tradition of devotional singing
to underprivileged children. Apart and dancing in praise of Radha
Under this educational initiative, from the training, students are also and Krishna; thang-ta (‘The Art of
a senior guru is invited to impart provided with a rich understanding the Sword and Spear’) which is the
advanced training to a select group of of the traditions and customs of the traditional martial art of Manipur in
music practitioners. Ajoy Chakrabarty, place of origin of each dance form. The Northeast India. Thang-ta integrates
doyen of Patiala gharana, will conduct programme encompasses visits to the various external weapons – sword,
a workshop on ‘Bandish’ in classical NCPA to watch dance performances spear, dagger, etc. – with the internal
and semi-classical music. An eminent by renowned artistes and provide practice of physical control through
necessary exposure in terms of soft movements coordinated with
Ajoy Chakrabarty, technicality in relation to dance. A the rhythms of breathing. It is part of
11th to 13th,
West Room 1 total of three dance forms, including a the great heroic tradition of Manipur.
martial art form, are taught in a period They will also showcase Pung Cholom
of one year, culminating with a stage – a unique classical dance of Manipur.
performance by the students at the This dance may be performed by men
NCPA. With successful programmes or women and is usually a prelude to
since the last two years, the NCPA the ras lila. In this style, the dancers
currently has projects running across play the pung (a form of hand beaten
five schools in Mumbai supported drum) while they dance at the same
by leading companies. The students time.
of many programmes perform on a
regular basis with their teachers in Experimental Theatre
recognised dance festivals. Friday, 15th – 3.00 pm
58 • March 2019 NCPA
Programme Guide.indd 58 19/02/19 10:44 AMSupported by Godrej Consumer Experience is as close as you will get
Young
Products Limited Picasso, 13th, to see the King of Pop live in concert!
Godrej Dance Featuring Michael Jackson tribute
Theatre
Having started their training in July, artistes who can sing live while
the students of Holy Mother High mastering the intense dancing that
School, Malad, will present three folk Jackson was so famous for, it takes
dances, namely Rajasthani Mela Dance the audience on a musical and visual
from Rajasthan, Maharashtrian Folk – journey into the world of the King of
gondhal and kalaripayattu from Kerala. Pop. The creators have put together an
incredible cast of talented musicians,
Admission on a first-come-first- Broadway performers and Las Vegas
served basis. NCPA Members will dancers to bring Jackson to life in an
get preferential seating 10 minutes explosion of unmatched energetic
prior to the programme. perfection. It features amazing
renditions of Jackson’s biggest hits
theatre including ‘Bad’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’,
‘Man in the Mirror’, ‘Human Nature’
Rumor Has It and more. Michael Firestone will
English/Hindi Play (110 mins) be performing as Michael Jackson.
Experimental Theatre where did all this begin? What made Having performed to millions of
Monday, 11th – 7.30 pm Picasso in the first place? Somewhat Jackson fans worldwide, Firestone has
overlooked, it is time to look at the early been hailed by fans and critics alike as
Rumor Has It is an Indian bilingual years of Picasso; the upbringing and the the heir apparent to Michael Jackson
adaptation of Rumors, the famous play learning that led to his extraordinary in appearance, performance and
by Neil Simon. It is a farcical comedy achievements. Three cities play a key authenticity.
play that involves a gun, missing role: Malaga, Barcelona and Paris.
people, dysfunctional couples, a cop Young Picasso explores the influence of Tickets:
and a whole lot of madness. With music, each on the artist, focusing on specific `4,500, 3,750, 3,500, 2,750, 1,750,
dancing and laughter, it is sure to be a artworks from these early years. The 1,500 & 1,250/-
laugh riot from beginning to end. film thus explains how this young artist (Inclusive of GST)
acquired his craft. Looking carefully at Box Office now open
Directed by Laura Mishra two key early periods – the so-called
Cast: Laura Mishra, Navin Talreja, Blue Period and Rose Period – the film indian music
Prerna Talwar, Tanmay Ranjan & takes us all the way to 1907 and the
others creation of a key painting in the history Barasat Rang:
of art: ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’. It Compositions on Holi by Subhra
A Making Noise Production was a painting that shocked the art Guha
world and changed it irrevocably. (approx. 120 mins)
Age: 15+ Picasso was only 25 years old. Working Godrej Dance Theatre
closely with all three Picasso Museums Friday, 15th - 6.30 pm
Tickets: in Malaga, Barcelona and Paris, this film
`450/- (Members) explains how he rose to such great An NCPA Presentation
`500/- (Public) heights.
Box Office now open Holi captures the spirit of exhilaration
Directed by Phil Grabsky in each one’s heart, whether it is
screening the song of a young couple in love,
Tickets: `400/- the bride or the eternal epic love of
Young Picasso Box Office now open Radha and Krishna. Holi is the time to
Exhibition Screening (85 mins)
Godrej Dance Theatre international music Subhra Guha, 15th,
Godrej Dance Theatre
Wednesday, 13th – 3.00 pm &
6.30 pm I Am King – The Michael
Jackson Experience
An NCPA- Seventh Art Productions (approx. 100 mins)
(UK) Presentation Tata Theatre
Wednesday, 13th – 8.00 pm
Pablo Picasso is one of the greatest Thursday, 14th – 8.00 pm
artists of all time – and right up until his Friday, 15th – 4.00 pm & 8.00 pm
death in 1973, he was the most prolific
of artists. Many films have dealt with A Nomobo & L.A.T. Presentation
these later years – the art, the affairs
and the wide circle of friends. But I Am King – The Michael Jackson
NCPA March 2019 • 59
Programme Guide.indd 59 19/02/19 10:45 AMcelebrate with colour, music, dance `300/- (Public) from Indonesia to Argentina to India, the
and energy unleashed. This concert Box Office now open evening will witness performances with
seeks to recreate the unbounded spirit an aim to seamlessly blend jazz, blues
of Holi that is intrinsic in the melody, theatre and Latin-American music with hints of
rhythms and literature of myriad music inspiration from their own culture.
compositions performed in North The Siddhus of Upper
India. Trained under veterans like Sunil Juhu Tickets: `500/-
Bose, Subhra Guha is one of the senior- English Play (120 mins) Box Office now open
most female vocalists of Agra gharana. Tata Theatre
She is also adept in Poorab ang thumri Saturday, 16th – 7.00 pm theatre
and has performed widely at home and
overseas. With her vast repertoire from 50th Golden Jubliee Show Shadows, 17th,
Godrej Dance Theatre
classical and semi-classical music, Guha
will create the splendour of this colourful Balvinder aka Bubbles Siddhu, a 50-year-
festival with a bouquet of compositions old well-paid financial executive, and
of khayal, hori-damar, thumri, dadra etc. his loyal Parsi wife, Behroze, live on the
depicting the festival of Holi. 14th floor of a typical modern Upper
Juhu aka Andheri high-rise called Sea
Tickets: View Towers. In spite of having poured
`135/- (Members) their life savings into this 2.5 BHK flat Shadows
`150/- (Public) in Mumbai, everything civil and civic English/Hindi Play (60 mins)
Box Office: 25th February for seems to go wrong. Godrej Dance Theatre
Members & 28th February for Public Sunday, 17th – 12.00 pm
Originally produced for Aadyam, an
theatre Aditya Birla Group Initiative An NCPA Presentation
Rang De, 16th, Directed by Rahul da Cunha A boy steals a purse from a lady, but
Tata Garden
Cast: Rajit Kapur, Shernaz Patel, the shadow of the boy does not walk
Meera Khurana, Kajli Sharma & with him as he does not like stealing.
Shishir Sharma So the shadow goes to the shadow
castle where all his shadow friends play
A Rage Production together. At the end the boy realises
that stealing is not good and always
Tickets: follows the good path.
`1,500, 1,125, 900, 750, 600 & 450/-
Rang De - An Adaptation (Members) Written & Directed by
of Rabindranath Tagore's `2,000, 1,500, 1,200, 1,000, 800 & Thantika Taphadit
Horikhela 600/- (Public) Adapted by Phulmani Varma &
Folk Theatre (60 mins) (Plus GST) Heeba Shah
Tata Garden Box Office now open Directed by Heeba Shah
Saturday, 16th – 5.30 pm Cast: Vivaan Shah, Vedika Sai,
international music Neelmegh Birthare, Yuvraj, Ankit &
An NCPA Presentation Raju Mukhiya
Jazz @ NCPA
The festival of colours is undoubtedly (approx. 120 mins) An Alchemy Theatre Group
the most fun-filled. Holi is a celebration Experimental Theatre Production
of colours and the liveliness of spring Saturday, 16th – 7.00 pm
while bidding goodbye to the gloom Age: 3+
of winter. It is an occasion that brings An NCPA & Swarnabhoomi Academy
in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and of Music Presentation Tickets:
play, music and dance and, of course, a Rs.450/- (Members)
lot of vibrant colours. Rang De is a musical An evening of jazz music featuring Rs.500/- (Public)
performance and, through dance and world-renowned musicians who will Box Office now open
physical experience, the audience will play their tunes to awe the audience.
enter an intimate process involving Drawn by a diverse artiste line-up right theatre
memories and perceptions of their own
Tomas Murmis, 16th,
lives and the lives of our ancestors. Experimental Theatre Welcome Zindagi
Hindi Play (120 mins)
The Shakti Ensemble Production Tata Theatre
Sunday, 17th – 7.00 pm
Tickets:
`270/- (Members) Have you seen your tomorrow? What
60 • March 2019 NCPA
Programme Guide.indd 60 19/02/19 10:46 AMif tomorrow is your last day? Welcome collaboration with Akvarious Tickets: `500/-
Zindagi will help you find all the possible Productions Box Office: 25th February for
answers to these questions. We are here Members & 28th February for Public
to present the funniest solutions to a A big fat Delhi wedding is underway.
very serious life situation. Life is full of Merely hours before they need to theatre
fun and we usually realise it only when put up their rehearsed item number,
it is too late. So enjoy this unique play five bridesmaids catch up, gossip, Geedra of Thrones
which will make you laugh out loud at eat, drink and bitch about their Parsi Gujarati Play (100 mins)
the mockery of life. Welcome Zindagi identical outfits. But that is not the Tata Theatre
centres around the lead character only thing they have in common – Thursday, 21st (Jamshedi Navroze) –
Ashutosh, a retiring government they all dislike the bride. Akvarious 5.00 pm & 7.30 pm
servant, and his family. Being miserly Productions presents a fully female
and old-fashioned, Ashutosh never cast and crew in a bittersweet The Government of India has sent a
paid any attention to his family’s needs comedy about daughters, girlfriends, memo stating that the size of the Parsi
proclaiming to do it once he retired. mothers, sisters and wives, getting community is too small, taking up
Time and tide wait for none and so through one shaadi ka function. too much space and prime property.
Ashutosh is dumbstruck on realising Baugs, doongerwadi, fire temples and
he has a lot to do in his kitty. The Written by Dilshad Edibam Khurana everything a Parsi needs, should be shut
comical play will take you on a journey & Tahira Nath Krishnan down and go into the public domain. The
of fun, laughter and emotions. We Directed by Prerna Chawla & Shikha Parsi citizens have an option of switching
always believe in pursuing our dreams Talsania over to any other faith or being branded
tomorrow but procrastinate and forget Cast: Ahlam Khan Karachiwala, Astha illegal immigrants. And the trustees of
to live today with humour. This play Arora, Dilshad Edibam Khurana, the Parsi community have to figure out
makes you realise the importance of Tahira Nath Krishnan, Zayn Khan & how to tackle this situation and break
this very moment. others the news to the Parsis, or find a solution.
Their biggest obstacle? Themselves.
Written by Sanjay Jha Suggested Age: 18+
Directed by Tushar Joshi Written & Directed by Meherzad Patel
Cast: Sudhir Pande, Raj Premi, Tickets: Cast: Pheroza Modi, Darius Shroff,
Minakshi Mani, Aditi Bhaskar, Hitesh `540 &.450/- (Members) Danesh Irani, Azmin Mistry, Danesh
Sampat & others `600 & 500/- (Public) Khambata, Thea Shroff & others
Produced by Sanjay Jha (Plus GST)
Box Office now open A Silly Point Production
A Theatre People Production
western classical music Tickets:
Tickets: `1,125, 900, 750, 600, 375 & 225/-
`1,770, 1,335, 885, 666 & 375/- Amatis Trio (Members)
(Members) Lea Hausmann, violin `1,500, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 500 & 300/-
`2,360, 1,780, 1,180, 888 & Samuel Shepherd, cello (Public)
500/- (Public) Mengjie Han, piano (Inclusive of GST)
(Inclusive of GST) (67 mins) Box Office now open
Box Office now open Experimental Theatre
Monday, 18th – 7.00 pm western classical music
theatre
A Mehli Mehta Music Foundation When Land Becomes
Dekh Behen, 17th,
Experimental Theatre
Presentation Water
SOI Chamber Orchestra
The Amatis Trio was founded in The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust
Amsterdam and has emerged (60 mins)
as one of the leading piano trios Experimental Theatre
among the new generation. The Saturday, 23rd – 4.00 pm
young, international trio has Sunday, 24th – 11.00 am
received enthusiastic responses from
audiences and critics across the UK, When Land Becomes Water,
23rd & 24th, Experimental
Europe and Asia after winning several Theatre
Women’s Day Special international competitions and
Dekh Behen prizes. The coming season will see
English/Hindi Play (70 mins) them perform at the Wigmore Hall in
Experimental Theatre London, The Royal Concertgebouw
Sunday, 17th - 7.00 pm in Amsterdam, the Salzburg Festival
and at venues in China, Australia and
An NCPA Presentation in North America.
NCPA March 2019 • 61
Programme Guide.indd 61 19/02/19 10:47 AMAn NCPA Presentation Tickets: theatre
`1,500, 1,125, 750, 525 & 375/-
Based on a set of books by Neeta (Members) DRAMA Dhamaal!:
Premchand that tell the tale of `2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 700 & 500/- Celebrating World
the Flood as it exists in Indian, (Public) Theatre Day
Mesopotamian and Biblical mythology, (Plus GST) (120 mins)
the SOI Chamber Orchestra and the Box Office: 25th February for Tata Theatre
Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust come Members & 28th February for Public Wednesday, 27th – 7.30 pm
together to present a new performance
that shows the universality of our stories screening An NCPA & Rage Production
and how, despite all our differences, we Presentation
are all united. La Fille du Régiment
by Gaetano Donizetti For one night only the theatrewallahs
Music by Airat Ichmouratov Opera Screening (155 mins) of Mumbai take centre stage with plays
Directed and designed by Dadi D. Sung in French with English and songs that celebrate our lives in
Pudumjee Subtitles the theatre – on stage and off. With
Conducted by Evgeny Bushkov Godrej Dance Theatre Ajitesh Gupta, Akarsh Khurana,
Tuesday, 26th – 6.30 pm Anahita Uberoi, Anuvab Pal, Bomi
Tickets: `500/- Dotiwala, Bhavna Pani, Burjor Patel,
Box Office: 9th March for Members & An NCPA – The Metropolitan Opera Danesh Irani, Danesh Khambata,
12th March for Public (New York) Presentation Deepal Doshi, Drama School Mumbai
(DSM), Faezeh Jalali, Gagan Dev Riar,
theatre Marie, a charming tomboy, was adopted Gerson daCunha, Geetanjali Kulkarni,
by the French army regiment. She is Jim Sarbh, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Kathryn
Salaam Noni Appa supposed to marry a soldier from the Doshi, Mallika Singh, Mansi Multani,
English Play (90 mins) regiment, but falls in love with Tonio, a Meher Mistry, Meherzad Patel, Mohit
Tata Theatre peasant boy. In order for her to marry Takalkar, Nadira Babbar, Quasar
Sunday, 24th – 7.30 pm Tonio, he must first join the regiment Padamsee, Raghav Dutt, Rahul
to become eligible to be her husband. DaCunha, Rajit Kapur, Ruby Patel,
Based on Twinkle Khanna's charming However, Marie learns that she is in fact Rytasha Rathore, Sandesh Kulkarni,
short story, 'Salaam Noni Appa' from the daughter of a Marchioness and Sarah Hashmi, Shantanu Ghatak,
her bestseller The Legend of Lakshmi her mother arranges for her to marry a Sheena Khalid, Shernaz Patel, Sonali
Prasad, this is the delightful and Duke, leaving Marie to choose between Kulkarni, Sukant Goel, Utkarsh
heart-warming tale of an autumn her family and true love. Mazumdar and Zafar Karachiwala.
romance. Noni Appa, a mature All proceeds generated will go back to
widow and her sister Binnie, are two Conductor: Enrique Mazzola the theatre community and its unsung
women, opposite in nature, whose Production: Laurent Pelly heroes.
world after marriage, children and Cast: Pretty Yende, Javier Camarena,
widowhood is once again a shared Stephanie Blythe & Maurizio Muraro Tickets:
one in which they laugh, bicker, `1,125, 750, 570, 375 & 225/-
fight, love and spend their days Tickets: (Members)
in a familiar, comfortable, if staid, `500/- `1,500, 1,000, 760, 500 & 300/-
manner. And then one day, Noni `250/- (only for students on (Public)
Appa suddenly finds herself falling in production of valid ID cards) (Plus GST)
love with a married man a few years Box Office now open Box Office now open
younger than her, and is torn between
choosing companionship over La Fille du Régiment, 26th,
Godrej Dance Theatre
respectability. Salaam Noni Appa is a
play about breaking stereotypes,
being open to new adventures, being
true to oneself and rediscovering what
makes life really worth living.
Adapted by Adhir Bhat
Directed by Lillette Dubey
Cast: Lillette Dubey, Yateen Karyekar,
Jayati Bhatia, Rishi Khurana & Gillian
Pinto
A Primetime Theatre Co. Production
Children under 12 not allowed.
62 • March 2019 NCPA
Programme Guide.indd 62 19/02/19 10:48 AMYou can also read
