NCPA Opens September 2013 Lineup

National Center Performing Arts in Mumbai has announced its upcoming September 2013 events. Details below!

September 2013:

Screening

Wagner - Götterdämmerung

Opera Screening (288 mins)

Godrej Dance Theatre

Sunday, 1st - 3.00 pm

An NCPA - The Metropolitan Opera (New York) Presentation

(This is part of a special Summer Encore package from the Met, under which great operas from earlier seasons are screened for opera lovers. The new season commences in October.)

Götterdämmerung is the last in Richard Wagner's cycle of four operas titled Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring, for short). On the Valkyries' Rock, three Norns spin the rope of Fate, recalling Wotan's days of power and predicting the end of the gods. When the rope breaks, they descend in terror to their mother, Erda, goddess of the earth. At dawn, Siegfried and his bride, Brünnhilde, emerge from their cave ('Zuneuen Taten'). Though fearful that she may lose her hero, she sends him forth to deeds of valour. As a token of his love, Siegfried gives Brünnhilde the magic ring he took from Fafner, and she gives him her horse, Grane. Robert Lepage's landmark staging combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional storytelling to bring Wagner's vision into the 21st century. The four-part epic comes full circle with its cataclysmic finale in which one woman's sacrifice redeems the world.

Conductor: Fabio Luisi

Production: Robert Lepage

Cast: Deborah Voigt, Jay Hunter Morris, Wendy Bryn Harmer, Iain Paterson, Eric Owens & Hans-Peter Konig

Tickets: Rs.500/-

Box Office now open

Theatre

The Verdict

English Play (80 mins)

Tata Theatre

Sunday, 1st - 7.00 pm

The Verdict is a one-of-a-kind interactive courtroom drama where the audience plays jury and decides the verdict. It centres on the trial of the selfish and power-hungry Riya Sharma, who is accused of murdering her boss and long-time lover, Karan Singh, a wealthy entrepreneur. Sharma was Singh's confidante and secretary whom he jilted to marry Nisha Rao, daughter of one of the city's richest and most respected citizens. The play focuses on the struggle between the two women in Karan Singh's life - his mistress and his wife. It is a gripping drama about the rise and destruction of a brilliant and ruthless man, with the suspense never letting up for even a moment.

Directed by Divya Palat

Cast: Madhoo, Tanisha Mukerji, Aditya Hitkari, Vivan Bhathena, Aditi Mittal with Dalip Tahil & others

A Balancing Act Production

Tickets:

Rs.1,875, 1,500, 1,125, 600 & 225/- (Members)

Rs.2,500, 2,000, 1,500, 800 & 300/- (Public)

Box Office now open

Theatre

Fools

English Play (90 mins)

Experimental Theatre

Sunday, 1st - 7.00 pm

Fools revolves around a couple of couples who give their account and interpretations of what a relationship is meant to be. You do not need a counsellor, a sexpert or even your best friend to give you advice about your relationship. All you need is a couple of fools. From 'dating a caveman' to 'nightmares with a sexy skirt', from literally 'loving your meat' to 'vegetarians in lust', the play unravels the undisclosed whacky desires of men and women. The comedy is proof that opposites really do attract, but cannot seem to fathom how.

Written by Rich Orloff

Directed by Meherzad Patel

Cast: Maanvi Gagroo, Danesh Irani & Sajeel Parakh

Produced by J. T. Performing Arts Centre

For adults only.

Tickets:

Rs.360, 270 & 200/- (Members)

Rs.400, 300 & 200/- (Public)

Box Office now open

Dance

5th Latin & Ballroom DanceSport Championship 2013

Dance Championship

Tata Theatre

Friday, 6th - 6.30 pm

In association with DanceSport India with Shannon Benjamin & Dr. Priti Gupta

2.30 pm to 5.30 pm: Qualifying Rounds

6.30 pm to 10.00 pm: Finals & Dance

Exhibition

A one-of-its-kind Latin and ballroom dance championship, it is the only one in India that showcases over 200 competitors and dance athletes of all ages. Exhibiting authentic cha-cha, jive, rumba, samba, paso doble, waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, salsa, bachata and Argentine tango, this much-awaited championship will have creative choreography, elegant costumes and foot-tapping music.

Tickets:

Rs.900, 750 & 570/- (Members)

Rs.1,200, 1,000 & 760/- (Public)

Box Office now open

For information on the event, visit www.dancesportmh.com. Call 9920053329 for afternoon passes and for details on dance training. Or visit www.dancesportindia.com.

Indian Music

Ab Na Bajao Shyam

Poorab ang thumri recital by Jhumpa Sarkar, Suranjana Bose & Chhannulal Mishra

Experimental Theatre

Friday, 6th - 6.00 pm

An NCPA Centre for the Promotion of Arts and Culture Trust Presentation

The semi-classical genre of thumri rose to prominence during the mid-19th century in the Lucknow court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. By the turn of the 20th century, a new style of this genre came into vogue around the region of Benaras, which was marked by a more languorous exposition (bol banao thumri). As Benaras is to the east (poorab) of Lucknow, this tradition came to be known as Poorab ang of thumri, a delightful style replete with strong folk affinities, grace and lyricism. The region is also well known for allied forms such as dadra, hori, chaiti, jhoola, sawan, etc. Jhumpa Sarkar is a disciple of Dalia Rahut and winner of the Girija Devi Puraskar for Sarvottam Kalakar (2012-13) at Poorab Ang Gayaki Mahotsav. Suranjana Bose has trained with many teachers including eminent vocalists Ajoy Chakrabarty and Girija Devi. An 'A' grade artiste of the AIR, she is also the winner of the Girija Devi Puraskar for Sarvottam Kalakar (2011-12) at Poorab Ang Gayaki Mahotsav. Chhannulal Mishra is reckoned to be the versatile maestro of the Benaras style, especially known for his vast repertoire ranging from khayal in the Kirana gharana tradition to thumri, chaiti, kajri and similar other forms typical of the Ganga-Yamuna region. Although rooted in Poorab style, his mellifluous rendition of semi-classical forms blends the elements of Punjab and Gaya traditions beautifully, laying a special emphasis on the sahitya (lyrics) aspect of the composition.

Tickets:

Rs.315 & 225/- (Members)

Rs.350 & 250/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

Dance

NCPA Umang Series: Nritya Vilas

Odissi by Debasis Pattnaik

Little Theatre

Friday, 6th - 7.00 pm

Debasis Pattnaik is the disciple of late Kashinath Roul and for the past eight years has been practising Odissi under Durga Charan Ranbir. He is the founder and principal dancer of Debnrutyam, an Odissi dance school in Rourkela. A research scholar in Odissi at the Prachin Kala Kendra and the recipient of the senior scholarship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, Debasis has made a space for himself as a solo performer. He has performed at some of the most esteemed dance festivals such as Konark Festival, Puri Beach Festival, Mukteshwar Festival, etc., and is the recipient of the Sringar Mani Puraskar from the then President of India, Pratibha Patil.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA members will get preferential seating till 6.50 pm.

Film

WorldKids Film Club

Little Theatre

Saturday, 7th - 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm

In collaboration with WorldKids Foundation

Created in association with the
NCPA and launched in August 2011, this film club has been designed with the aim of showcasing thought-provoking films for children who are inclined towards the arts, aesthetics and intelligent cinema.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

English Film

(Col/117 mins/Japan/1984)

In the far future, man has destroyed earth in the "seven days of fire". Now, there are small pockets of humanity that survive. One of which is the Valley of Wind where a princess named Nausicaä tries to understand, rather than destroy the Toxic Jungle.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

For children from seven to 14 years.

Please note that the film is subject to change without prior notice. Email worldkids.filmclub@gmail.com or call 9821016738 for further details.

Theatre

NCPA Marathi Vishesh

Maunraag

Marathi Play (100 mins)

Experimental Theatre

Saturday, 7th - 6.30 pm

Mahesh Elkunchwar is a famous modern playwright, whose plays have been staged in several languages all over India. Maunraag was not written for theatre. These are biographical articles, which have been presented on stage by Sachin Khedekar and Chandrakant Kulkarni. The author looks back at his childhood and remembers with nostalgia, the house where he stayed and studied during his early school days. He remembers every moment of his childhood, his relatives, his surroundings and his emotional attachment to them.

Written by Mahesh Elkunchwar

Directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni

Produced & presented by Arun Kakade

Cast: Sachin Khedekar & Chandrakant Kulkarni

An Awishkar Production

Tickets:

Rs.180 & 135/- (Members)

Rs.200 & 150/- (Public)

Box Office now open

Theatre

The Nation (Still) Wants To Know

Stand-up Comedy (100 mins)

Godrej Dance Theatre

Saturday, 7th & Sunday, 8th - 7.00 pm

Playwright Anuvab Pal's stand-up has jokes on the inherent pitfalls of being Bengali, and how that means a different thing from other Indian communities. He compares the world of old India with hilarious insights on Doordarshan, British accents and Indian Airlines, with the world of new India with its tweets, fashion designers, fancy BHKs and Arnab Goswami. He is also joined by comedian, actor, director and Bollywood artiste, Kunaal Roy Kapur from Delhi Belly and Nautanki Saala. Together, they come up with funny observations about what makes us uniquely Indian - how we are a country of negotiation, how we behave at nightclubs, how we pay the bill, how
we deal with money, how the British Empire happened to us, how we say one thing and mean another, and other uproarious observations.

Directed by Tom Course

Written & performed by Anuvab Pal & Kunaal Roy Kapur

Tickets:

Rs.325/- (Members)

Rs.350/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

International Music

Very Verdi and Wonderfully Wagner

Western Music Concert

Tata Theatre

Sunday, 8th - 6.30 pm

In association with the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy

As the world celebrates the 200th birth anniversaries of two great opera composers, Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble (conductor: Alfred J. D'Souza, accompanist: Leon de Souza) pays tribute to their musical genius by performing some of the most popular and best loved choruses from their operas which include Nabucco, Il trovatore, Aida, La traviata, Macbeth, Tannhauser, The Flying Dutchman, Lohengrin and many more. Besides this, operatic arias and duets will be performed by some of India's seasoned as well as upcoming opera singers: Aude Priya Engel (Soprano), Zarin Ghadialy Hodiwala (Contralto), Toshanbor Singh Nongbet (Tenor) and Bhanu Sharma (Baritone) accompanied by the flamboyant young pianist, Nise Meruno. In true Stop-Gaps style, this concert will be performed with costumes and sets and promises to be a delightful evening for any music lover.

Tickets: Rs.800, 500 & 200/-

Box Office now open

Theatre

Yeh Jo Dil Hai Na

Hindi Play (120 mins)

Experimental Theatre

Sunday, 8th - 7.00 pm

This is the Hindi adaptation of Vasant Kanetkar's famous Marathi play Prema Tuza Rang Kasa by Mir Muneer, which has completed 50 years. Since the dawn of civilisation, human beings have engaged themselves in the game of love. Men and women have immersed themselves in the hues of this wondrous emotion, even in the face of strict opposition, be it from parents or society. Yeh Jo Dil Hai Na celebrates the same and finds life bursting from it.

Designed & directed by Om Katare

Cast: Om Katare, Paromita Chatterjee, Mukesh Yadav, Prateek Pendharkar, Ashok Sharma, Astha Arora & others

A Yatri Theatre Association Production

Tickets:

Rs.450 & 405/- (Members)

Rs.500 & 450/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

Exhibition

The Dhaval Dhairyawan Retrospective

Photo Exhibition

Piramal Art Gallery

Tuesday, 10th to Friday, 20th (closed on 18th) - 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm

During an inspiringly energetic, yet all too short career, Dhaval Dhairyawan captured and personified the speed and perfection of some of the world's fastest and most glamorous cars against idyllic backdrops from Italy to Cherrapunji. This exhibition is an attempt to put together some of the artist's best work, to recreate his many journeys and hopefully, tell a
number of stories about a road less travelled, at least by a super car. Dhaval was Chief Photographer at BBC Top Gear, India, and contributing photographer to Lonely Planet, UK and India. He died of an ailing heart in early 2012. He was 32 years old.

Multi Arts

Park's New Festival 2013

Theatre & Dance Performance

Experimental Theatre

Wednesday, 11th & Thursday, 12th - 7.00 pm

Presented by Prakriti Foundation

Osama, Cinema and a Whole Lot of Black Magic?

Four ten-minute plays by Stray Factory

Wednesday, 11th - 7.00 pm

Stray Factory is an entertainment collaborative comprising a network of actors, writers, artists and musicians. They will be showcasing four short plays in English.

Chairpersons is an original musical piece about the current state of politics in the country.

In My name is Cine-Ma, a young Cine-ma loves celluloid a little more than she should. Traditional art forms such as Silambattam and Mridangam are presented in a contemporary setting.

Lost Audition is a minimalist comedy on the impact of geo-politics on entertainment.

P. James for President takes a look into the life of a magician and how he has the dreams of an ordinary man.

Cast: Mathivanan Rajendran, Rajiv Rajaram, Pooja Balu, Nikhil Sriram Venkatesh Harinathan, Ajay Ayyappan & Sandeep John

NH7 by Deepak Kurki

Contemporary Dance Performance

Thursday, 12th - 7.00 pm

Deepak Kurki is a contemporary dancer who has been engaged in artistic work as a performer, creator and teacher since 2000. NH7 is a dance duet that depicts the intricate, confused, rapid urbanisation in which the dancers vividly capture the mad need to build, demolish and re-imagine the city and explore how people are caught up in this mayhem. The work aims at creating moving images with bodies which will reflect the current imagination of the city and the changing landscapes. This performance won the Prakriti Excellence in Contemporary Dance Award in 2012.

Performers: Deepak Kurki Shivaswamy, Amaresha Kempanna & Charan Channarayapatna Satyanarayana

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis for both events

Indian Music

Alick Sengupta (Vocal)

Balkrishna Iyer (Tabla)

Hindustani Music Recital

Little Theatre

Thursday, 12th - 6.30 pm

In collaboration with the ITC-Sangeet Research Academy (Western Region)

Alick Sengupta was initiated into music by his father, vocalist Ashes Sengupta and has performed in several concerts in India and abroad with him. He has also participated in various music competitions such as Rajya Sangeet Academy, Dover Lane Music Competition, Sarbabharatiya Sangeet Parishad, Tagore Foundation, TTIS and others. In 2011, he received the National Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and was given the Sangeet-Ratna Award in 2012. Alick has done his B. A. Honours in Vocal Music from Rabindra Bharati University and joined ITC-SRA as a student under the training of renowned vocalist, Ulhas Kashalkar. Balkrishna Iyer, born into a family of musicians, received his initial training from his parents. He later became a disciple of late percussionist Taranath Rao and also learnt from Arvind Mulgaonkar and Kishan Maharaj of the Benaras gharana. He has performed at various festivals across India and abroad.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.

Photography

Photo Talk by K. Madhawan Pillai

Piramal Art Gallery

Friday, 13th - 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

K. Madhawan Pillai, Editor of Better Photography magazine will conduct a talk on the 'Future of Photography and New Emerging Trends'. The event is open to all.

Screening

The Audience

Theatre Screening (158 mins)

Godrej Dance Theatre

Saturday, 14th & Sunday, 15th - 3.00 pm & 7.00 pm

An NCPA-National Theatre Live (London) Presentation

Helen Mirren reprises her Academy Award-winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of The Audience. For 60 years, Elizabeth II has met each of her 12 Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses. The Audience breaks this contract of silence and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. From young mother
to grandmother, these audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

A new play by Peter Morgan

Directed by Stephen Daldry

Cast: Helen Mirren, Michael Elwyn, Haydn Gwynne, Richard McCabe, Nathaniel Parker, Paul Ritter, Rufus Wright & others

Tickets: Rs.300/-

Box Office now open

Film

Sampling Brazilian Cinema

Film Screenings

Little Theatre

Saturday, 14th & Sunday, 15th - 5.00 pm & 7.30 pm

In association with Consulate General of Brazil, Mumbai

Sampling Brazilian Cinema will bring four titles to the Mumbai audience.

14th September

Heleno (116 mins) - 5.00 pm

In anticipation of the 2014 World Cup, Heleno tells the story of the rise and fall of the great Brazilian footballer Heleno de Freitas (1920-1959), whose genius is fondly remembered by Brazilians.

O Caminho das Nuvens (90 mins) - 7.30 pm

O Caminho das Nuvens is a tale of hope. It narrates the story of a migrant family who travel 3,200 km across five states to Rio de Janeiro, on their bicycles in search of a job.

15th September

Estômago (112 mins) - 5.00 pm

Estômago is a tale of the fate and tragedy of Raimundo Nonato, a migrant from north-eastern Brazil who rises through his culinary talent. It is a grown-up fable of power, sex and cooking with a twist in the end.

Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus (100 mins) - 7.30 pm

On occasion of the 100th anniversary of the biggest film industry on earth, the screening of Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus is a sincere homage to Indian cinema. It is a road movie that illustrates the magic of movies through Johann and Ranulpho, a German and a Brazilian, who meet at an arid and uninhabited road in the Brazilian hinterland and set out on an adventure together.

For adults only.

A limited number of admission passes can be collected by
Members from the Box Office from 10th September.

Theatre

The Tempest

English Play (90 mins)

Tata Theatre

Saturday, 14th - 7.00pm

The Tempest is one of Shakespeare's most enjoyable and magical plays. On a remote island, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the king,
and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand.

Conceived & adapted by Arpita Mittal

Directed by K. Paintal

Choreography by Atul Narang

Cast: Rajat Kaul, Radhika Mittal, Sneha Soman, Vikas Baid, Rohan Nair, Sanket Pathak & others

An initiative of Helen O'Grady International

Tickets:

Rs.750, 600, 375 & 225/- (Members)

Rs.1,000, 800, 500 & 300/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

International Music

Chalk Talk: SOI September 2013 Season

Presented by Zane Dalal

Little Theatre

Monday, 16th - 7.00 pm

SOI Resident Conductor Zane Dalal will talk about some of the works that will feature in the forthcoming concert season of the Symphony Orchestra of India.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis.

Theatre

Zest!

Youth Theatre

Godrej Dance Theatre

Tuesday, 17th - 6.30 pm

An NCPA Centre for the Promotion of Arts and Culture Trust Presentation

Baawla

Hindi Play

Nine-year-old Raghu comes from a broken home when his mother leaves her abusive husband to marry someone from the Muslim community. But here, things take a turn for the worse. He is unable to find acceptance from either religion, is constantly attacked by bullies and feels shut out from his mother's new life. But when he runs away, he encounters a potter/poet who changes his world view. An almost autobiographical production, Baawla is peppered with poems that remind us how precious childhood is.

Written & directed by Raghav Dutt

Cast: Gaurav Agarwal, Gauri Dutt, Ajitesh Gupta, Trisha Kale & others

A Rangbaaz Group Production

Tickets:

Rs.135/- (Members)

Rs.150/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

Dance

The Unseen Sequence - Exploring Bharatanatyam through the art of

Malavika Sarukkai

Documentary Screening

Godrej Dance Theatre

Thursday, 19th - 6.30 pm

An NCPA Presentation

Exclusively filmed performances, historical re-creations and in-depth interviews explore not just the history of the dance but also the connections and departures that Malavika Sarukkai makes from a hallowed and, often, unforgiving tradition. Thus, through her art, we see how Bharatanatyam is being re-interpreted, renewed and invigorated. The film screening will be followed by a conversation with Malavika Sarukkai and the film director, Sumantra Ghosal.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.

Film

Fresh Pix: Anniversary Special

Little Theatre

Friday, 20th & Saturday, 21st - 6.30 pm

An NCPA Presentation

The NCPA Fresh Pix Series was started in September 2010 to create an audience for regional and indie cinema that often does not reach the lay audience, outside of the film festival circuit. It has gone on to become a popular monthly series. Two new films will be screened this month in a Fresh Pix Anniversary double bill.

Ballad of Rustom

Hindi & English Film with English Subtitles (117 mins)

Friday, 20th - 6.30 pm

Rustom works in a small government office in the countryside. Life for Rustom is wandering from place to place in the small town, spending time with Kapil who works on the suburban trains, living with the eccentricities of his boss and being magically transported into his imaginary other world. In the far reaches of this beautiful and lonely countryside, there may be a quiet upheaval that disrupts the dark and mysterious worlds forever.

Written & directed by Ajita Suchitra Veera

Produced by Vellanki Usha Rani, Ajita Suchitra Veera

Cast: Megha Burman, Denzil Smith, Ashwath Bhatt, Sunny Hinduja & others

Baandhon (Waves of Silence)

Assamese Film with English Subtitles (96 mins)

Saturday, 21st - 6.30 pm

Dandeswar and Hkawni, both 73, reside in the city of Guwahati. They lost their only son and daughter-in-law a few years ago and have only one reason to live for - their grandson Pona who studies engineering in Mumbai. The only other person they are close to is Jatin - an advocate in the High Court and who was once a paying guest in their house. In the absence of their son, Jatin fills in their life to complete the family. Things are smooth till one day Pona goes missing in Mumbai. They come to the city in his search only to find that he was one of the victims of 26/11 terror attacks.

Written & directed by Jahnu Barua

Cast: Bishnu Kharghoria, Jatin Bora, Bina Patangia, Zerifa Wahid & others

Produced by: ASFFDC [Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation]

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.

International Music

SOI Concert Season September 2013

An NCPA Presentation

Symphony Orchestra of India, conducted by Charles Dutoit

Western Music Concerts

Jamshed Bhabha Theatre

Friday, 20th & Saturday, 21st -
7.00 pm

The September 2013 Concert Season will feature a special guest appearance from maestro Charles Dutoit, one of the most celebrated conductors of his generation. Maestro Dutoit will conduct two performances of Beethoven's First Symphony and Mussorgsky's much-loved Pictures at an Exhibition, as orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. Between these two orchestral masterpieces, SOI Music Director Marat Bisengaliev will perform as soloist in the Sibelius Violin Concerto.

Programme

Beethoven: Symphony No.1

Sibelius: Violin Concerto
(Soloist: Marat Bisengaliev)

Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel):

Pictures at an Exhibition

Tickets: Rs.2,400, 1,800, 1,200 & 800/-

Box Office now open

Symphony Orchestra of India, conducted by Lior Shambadal

Western Music Concert

Jamshed Bhabha Theatre

Thursday, 26th - 7.00 pm

Guest conductor Lior Shambadal is the principal conductor of the Berliner Symphoniker, a position he has held since 1997. For this performance he will be commanding the SOI in French and Russian repertoire by Debussy, Dukas and Mussorgsky, culminating in Shostakovich's powerful Fifth Symphony.

Programme

Debussy:

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Dukas: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Mussorgsky:

A Night on the Bare Mountain

Shostakovich: Symphony No.5

Tickets: Rs.2,000, 1,600, 1,200 & 800/-

Box Office now open

Symphony Orchestra of India, conducted by Lior Shambadal

Western Music Concert

Jamshed Bhabha Theatre

Monday, 30th - 7.00 pm

Guest conductor Lior Shambadal continues with the Russian theme prevalent in his concert of 26th September in this, the final concert of the SOI season. He will first conduct orchestral suites by Prokofiev and Khachaturian, followed by a rousing finale of Dances and Waltzes by Dvo?ák, Brahms and Johann Strauss II.

Programme

Smetana:

The Bartered Bride Overture

Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé Suite

Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite

J. Strauss II: Künstlerleben Waltz

Brahms:

Hungarian Dances Nos.1, 3 & 10

Dvo?ák:

Slavonic Dances Nos.1, 7, & 10

J. Strauss II: Die Fledermaus Overture

Tickets: Rs.2,000, 1,600, 1,200 & 800/-

Box Office now open

Theatre

Balancing ACT Productions' 10th Year Festival

English Plays

Experimental Theatre

Friday, 20th to Sunday, 22nd

Imps - My Way!

Friday, 20th - 7.30 pm

The 10th Anniversary weekend starts with a bang with a medley of two of the most creative shows introduced in the last ten years. We start with the best improvisational talents playing the crowd favourite Imps and showcase new talents and their self-written plays in My Way!

Directed by Divya Palat

Tickets:

Rs.315/- (Members)

Rs.350/- (Public)

2611 - A Personal War - Stories of the Mumbai Terror Attacks

Saturday, 21st - 7.30 pm

A Personal War is based on accounts of six people who went through the tragedy that unfolded in Mumbai on 26/11. They were at six different locations when terror engulfed the city at major landmarks, hotels and populated areas. These incredible stories will highlight human fortitude, strength and courage in the face of such meaningless destruction. The survivors were brave and strong, and have learnt valuable life lessons from these horrific acts.

Written & directed by Divya Palat

Cast: Aditya Hitkari, Vivan Bhathena, Anu Menon, Sanket Mhatre,
Vatsala Kothari & Divya Palat

Tickets:

Rs.450/- (Members)

Rs.500/- (Public)

Foursome & 2+2

Sunday, 22nd - 7.00 pm

Laugh out loud with four of Balancing ACT Productions' funniest shows.

The Marriage Counsellor is a hilarious comedy about a young married couple who feel the need to get this 'marriage-thing' just right. Therefore, they visit a marriage counsellor with comic consequences.

Super Star tackles the Bollywood dream and the fading Bollywood hero. It is a story of a debutant meeting a never-
has-been, and a wannabe actress meeting a super star.

Surprise! is the story of a couple who visit home on a short trip and are more than a bit surprised to see what their daughter has been up to. A new man in her life, big changes and far too much trouble - a romantic comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles.

Till Death is a gravestone comedy
(if that is even a thing) at its best.
Laugh till your sides hurt and then some more.

Written & directed by Divya Palat

Cast: Aditya Hitkari, Vivan Bhathena, Michael Nazareth, Arundhati Karnal, Sunifa Gonsalves, Gaurav Soni & Divya Palat

Tickets:

Rs.315/- (Members)

Rs.350/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Theatre

Ace Classics Weekend

Tata Theatre

Saturday, 21st & Sunday, 22nd

Broken Images

English Play

Saturday, 21st - 7.45 pm

The 21st century is the age of the electronic image. From every corner of our world, electronic images fling themselves at us, entertaining, educating, enticing and offering us a virtual world. Manjula Sharma is not a very successful Hindi short story writer. She suddenly becomes wealthy and famous by writing a bestseller in English. The question haunting Manjula is, whether in opting for a global audience, has she betrayed her own language and identity? Now, without warning, it is her own image that decides to play confessor, psychologist and inquisitor.

Written by Girish Karnad

Directed by Alyque Padamsee

Performed by Shabana Azmi

Produced by Raell Padamsee

Death of a Salesman

English Play

Sunday, 22nd - 7.30 pm

Pulitzer Prize Winner and winner of 12 Tony Awards

One of the greatest modern plays ever written, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman stars India's leading theatre artistes Alyque Padamsee and Sabira Merchant. It also features two brilliant young actors
Neel Tolani and Jim Sarbh. The
play is a gripping family drama about love and hate. The sharp brutal dialogue and real life characters will enthral audiences along with the added allure of unique
special effects.

Directed by Alyque Padamsee

Cast: Alyque Padamsee, Sabira Merchant, Neel Tolani, Jim Sarbh, Farrokh Mehta, Farid Currim & others

Produced by Raëll Padamsee

Tickets against cash only.

Daily Tickets:

Rs.1,500, 1,125, 750, 570, 375, 240 & 180/- (Members)

Rs.2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 760, 500, 320 & 240/- (Public)

Box Office: 26th August for Members & 29th August for Public

Theatre

The East India Co.medy Show

Stand-up Comedy

Godrej Dance Theatre

Saturday, 21st - 8.00 pm

Are you tired of watching the same old reporters constantly screaming for no rhyme or reason to gain TRPs? Are you tired of flipping channels and seeing the same news being rehashed on different channels? Introducing the Comedy News Network, a show that gives you the news the way it was supposed to be given. A show where five of India's top comedians address current affairs in their own unique, inimitable styles - Kunal Rao, the thinnest chartered accountant; Azeem Banatwalla, an engineer turned psycho; Sahil Shah, a muscular, tall and incredibly handsome comedian; Sapan Verma, a favourite among the young; and Atul Khatri, computer seller by day and comedian by night.

Tickets:

Rs.270/- (Members)

Rs.300/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Theatre

Best of Saat Teri Ekvis

Seven Monologues in Gujarati

Godrej Dance Theatre

Sunday, 22nd - 7.00 pm

Seven monologues written by the most popular and successful writers and performed by some of the best actors in Gujarati theatre.

Aatish Kapadia's Mane Aankhothi Vaat Karta Aavde Chhe is an uncommon story of a common man, performed by Darshan Jariwala.

In B Positive, a troubled man tries to stay positive. It is written by Uttam Gada, directed by Kamlesh Mota and performed by Pratik Gandhi.

Written by Chandrakant Shah and directed by Manoj Shah, New York takes you on a journey through the city. It is performed by Jimit Trivedi.

In Ram Rakhe Tem Rahiye, Krutika Desai plays a frustrated middle-class wife who has just tasted victory. It is written by Sanjay Shah and directed by Kamlesh Mota.

In Saumya Joshi's Nai Lakhayeli Kavita, Jigna Vyas becomes an anguished poet when what he wants to say, remains unsaid.

In Vatsayana Gujju Hato!, Shyam Pathak shows how the Kama Sutra came to be written. It is written by Sanjay Chel and directed by Manoj Shah.

In Mihir Bhuta's Abhinetri, Leena Shah plays a beautiful, award-winning heroine whose fortunes have reversed.

A Manhar Gadhia Production

Tickets:

Rs.335/- (Members)

Rs.350/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Dance

Saayujya

Bharatanatyam by Priyadarsini Govind, Vocalist T. M. Krishna

Dance & Music Performance

Tata Theatre

Tuesday, 24th - 7.00pm

An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Aalap, a Chennai-based performing arts initiative

The NCPA premieres Saayujya, a creation by India's leading exponents of music and dance, T. M. Krishna and Priyadarsini Govind. Saayujya, literally meaning merging oneself with the divine, is an exploration, investigation and expression of dance through music and music through dance. This creation is also an attempt to experience a conversation between two forms of expressions in a way that has never been seen before. Priyadarsini Govind, one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers, is a flag bearer for Kalanidhi's Padam repertoire. Trained by two stalwarts, Kalaimamani S. K. Rajarathnam Pillai and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, Priyadarsini has imbibed this art form from the best. T. M. Krishna is one of the leading artistes in Carnatic music today. His music is marked with a high level of aesthetics in conception and execution.
He is known for his tremendous Manodharma (imagination) and Sampradaya Sangeetha (traditional music).

Tickets:

Rs.375, 225 & 150/- (Members)

Rs.500, 300 & 200/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Dance

Pratipadarshini

Step 2: Understanding the Taal System in Bharatanatyam with Satish Krishnamurthy & followed by an Abhinaya Workshop by Priyadarsini Govind

Sea View Room

Wednesday, 25th - 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

The NCPA's Pratipadarshini series is an effort to take dance enthusiasts deeper into the realms of Indian classical dance. This month, the series covers two steps - continuing Step 2 with understanding the taal system in Bharatanatyam (Carnatic music) by renowned percussionist Satish Krishnamurthy, and an abhinaya workshop by the celebrated dancer Priyadarsini Govind. Satish Krishnamurthy is a graded artiste in mridangam, ghatam and kanjira at AIR, and has had the privilege of accompanying highly acclaimed artistes such as O. S. Thyagarajan, Padma Bhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam, Padma Bhushan T. N. Krishnan and musical doyen M. Balamurali Krishna. Priyadarsini Govind's natural aptitude for abhinaya coupled with her passion and dedication to her art has managed to seamlessly blend new choreography with the traditional, thereby gently redefining the boundaries of Bharatanatyam repertoire.

Tickets: Rs.300/- (Public)

Limited free seats for Members. To register, please call Ms. Binaifar at 66223822/9869112010 or email her at bbhesania@ncpamumbai.com.

Indian Music

Maa-Shakti

Gujarati Folk Music & Dance Presentation

Tata Theatre

Thursday, 26th - 6.30 pm

An NCPA Presentation

Timed just before Navratri, the programme is thematically designed on the subject of 'Ma' or mother, which appears predominantly in charansahitya. Bards and ballad singers have composed poetry and songs around the theme and her many manifestations, some of which have been immortalised through the ages. The presentation will include traditional songs and stutis in praise of the divine mother. Since traditional dances are performed during Navratri and form an integral part of Devi worship, the presentation will include garba-raas and folk dances accompanied by traditional instruments.

Singers: Ashit Desai, Hema Desai, Tina Chheda, Bihari Hemu Gadhvi & chorus.

Garba-raas: Architam Academy, Mumbai

Tickets:

Rs.375, 270, 180 & 120/- (Members)

Rs.500, 360, 240 & 160/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Film

NCPA Flashback

Classic Indian Films

Little Theatre

Friday, 27th - 6.30 pm

An NCPA-NFAI Presentation

The NCPA Flashback Series, in collaboration with the NFAI, commemorates 100 years of Indian cinema. Every month, the glorious past will be revisited through a selection of rare classics.

Pyaasa

(B&W/Hindi/153mins/1957)

Guru Dutt's classic melodrama was the first in a series to address the state of the nation and the displaced romantic artist. Vijay is an unsuccessful poet whose work is sold by his brothers as waste paper. Unable to bear the reigning philistinism, he chooses to live on the streets where a young prostitute, Gulab, falls in love with him and his poetry, while Vijay's former girlfriend Meena marries an arrogant publisher for comfort and security. When a dead beggar to whom Vijay gave his coat is mistaken for Vijay, Gulab has his poetry published in a book which becomes a bestseller. Everyone who had rejected Vijay now gather to pay tribute to the dead poet. Vijay disrupts the celebration with a passionate song denouncing hypocrisy and calling for the violent destruction of a corrupt world.

Directed & produced by Guru Dutt

Dialogues by Abrar Alvi

Cast: Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, Johnny Walker & others

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.

Theatre

Tuesdays with Morrie

English Play (70 mins)

Experimental Theatre

Friday, 27th & Sunday, 29th - 7.00 pm

An NCPA Production in collaboration with Akvarious Productions

A constant on The New York Times Bestseller List for more than four years with more than five million copies sold, Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a television news programme and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's disease. The two are reunited and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

Adapted for the stage by Mitch Albom & Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by Meera Khurana

Based on the novel by Mitch Albom

Cast: Adhaar Khurana, Akash Khurana & Lucky Vakharia

Tickets:

Rs.360 & 270/- (Members)

Rs.400 & 300/- (Public)

Box Office now open

Indian Music

Agra Gharana: Ek Vatavriksha

Lalith Rao & her disciples

Musical Presentation

Experimental Theatre

Saturday, 28th - 6.30 pm

An NCPA Presentation

The Agra gharana is one of the oldest musical traditions in Hindustani music and its origins can be traced to the 14th century. It boasts of a long line of distinguished musicians and composers who have nurtured, embellished and enriched this gharana, and faithfully passed it on from generation to generation. The presentation will give a glimpse of some of its distinguished stalwarts and their contribution to Hindustani music in general, and the gharana in particular. Lalith Rao, a doyenne of the Agra gharana, along with her talented disciples, will present this unique musical journey. The multimedia presentation traces the evolution of the colourful and multi-faceted Agra gharana, vividly unravelling its delightful gayaki and compositions, through live renditions, and the voices and visuals of some of its old masters. Having been groomed under some great teachers - Ramarao Naik, Khadim Hussain Khan and Dinkar Kaikini, Lalith Rao is eminently suited to offer a kaleidoscope of the gharana. Many of her disciples are graded artistes and popular performers. The participating disciples are Tara Kini, Bharathi Prathap, Pratima Ganesh, Meera Shasrabuddhe, Kailash Kulkarni, Vir Dasmahapatra, Nishant Panicker, Shanti Subbaraman, Vandana Pandit and Lalitha Ramesh.

Accompanists: Shantanu Shukla, Gurumurthy Vaidya & Siddhesh Bicholkar

Multimedia projection: Jayavanth Rao & Chitra Saletore

Tickets:

Rs.135/- (Members)

Rs.150/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Theatre

Between the Lines

English Play

Tata Theatre

Saturday, 28th - 7.00 pm

Between the Lines is set in contemporary India where educated and affluent couples are caught between modernity and tradition. The play explores the relationship between a lawyer couple who have been married for ten years. They end up arguing on opposite sides of a criminal trial, resulting in the blurring of their personal and professional lives. The battle in the court starts to impact their relationship at home and they struggle to find a new balance.

Written by Nandita Das & Divya Jagdale

Directed by Nandita Das

Cast: Nandita Das & Subodh Maskara

Produced by Chhoti Productions

Tickets:

Rs.1,500, 1,125, 750, 570, 375 & 195/- (Members)

Rs.2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 760, 500 & 260/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public

Theatre

Hun Chandrakant Baxi

Gujarati Play (105 mins)

Godrej Dance Theatre

Sunday, 29th - 7.00 pm

The play is based on the life of the prolific writer who passionately
loved his readers his entire life. And the feeling was mutual. An incredibly egoist artist whose larger-than-life persona was full of contradictions, he wrote fiercely and forcefully without bothering about controversies. The play encapsulates
his eventful life in a dramatic manner.

Directed by Manoj Shah

Written by Shishir Ramavat

Performed by Pratik Gandhi

An Ideas Unlimited Production

Tickets:

Rs.325/- (Members)

Rs.350/- (Public)

Box Office: 10th September for Members & 13th September for Public