The Manam Theatre Festival, an event celebrating performance, culture, and community, is set to take Hyderabad by storm from November 24 to December 17, 2023. The month-long extravaganza promises a captivating showcase of diverse performances in English, Hindi, Telugu, and more, encompassing puppetry, live music, dance, and masking.
The festival brings diverse, inclusive, and unconventional stories home to Hyderabad through contemporary acts, experimental productions, and new interpretations. It has quickly become part of Hyderabad’s very own ecosystem of art and culture. The Far Post by Durse Brothers showcases masked puppetry with original music by Sikkimese band Sofiyum. Anurupa Roy's The Nights by Katkatha retells folk tales with a fresh perspective. Rest of the Story from University of Hyderabad connects to Badal Sircar's social commitment. Adishakti’s BHOOMI is a musical performance that turns the lens on sexual assault and power politics at the workplace. KissaGo theatre's Shakkar Ke Paach Daane explores social barriers. Afghanistan is not funny by Henry Naylor narrates the experiences of a British comedian and Scottish Press Photographer in war-torn Afghanistan.
In addition to the performances, the festival features a range of fringe events such as talks, workshops, and demonstrations conducted by renowned figures, highlighting the multifaceted nature of theater. Spanning four weekends starting November 24, the festival brings together bouquets of four weekends of performances, people, and places. Each weekend will include a performance by a home troupe on Friday and two plays by a visiting troupe on Saturday and Sunday. Sprinkled around these weekends are fringe events that aim to create conversation and exchange of ideas and engage the city’s community to interact with troupes.
The WE_US Collective, an initiative of the Almond House Foundation, is dedicated to fostering inspiration and driving social change through theater. Recognizing the transformative power of shared experiences in shaping societal narratives, this collective comprises a diverse group of artists, creators, and performers committed to celebrating the profound impact of art in Hyderabad. The ethos of the Almond House, rooted in integrating socially relevant and culturally active elements beyond business, extends to their latest venture, Manam Chocolate, and the Manam Theatre Festival. This festival serves as a testament to their commitment to interpreting brands as platforms for social enterprise, transcending mere commerce.
For the event calendar and festivals passes, follow Manam Theatre Festival here.
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