Manam Theatre: Attend A Month-Long Celebration Of Thespian Storytelling In Hyderabad

For a month-long celebration of thespian storytelling, the Manam Theatre Festival, returns to Hyderabad this year bringing an immersive theatrical experience for diverse audiences. Spanning five weeks from November 15 to December 15, the festival brings together an exceptional line-up of theatre troupes from India and abroad, offering both ground-breaking contemporary pieces and interpretations of revered classics. During the week, the festival will also be hosting fringe events like panel discussions and theatre workshops by visiting troupes.

The highlight of the festival are the cutting-edge plays that embrace a rich diversity of theatrical and artistic forms — from performances rooted in cultural heritage to avant-garde creations that challenge and expand the boundaries of theatre. This coexistence aims to honour the full spectrum of artistic expression, enriching the collective journey for both performers and audiences. Here's a look into this year's line-up:

Project Darling by Nirdigantha explores women’s roles in theatre, culture, and tradition, tracing the legacy of the Khanavali Chenni who ruled the Kannada theatre with her double-meaning dialogues and sexual innuendos.

Known for his exploration of movement-based theatre and communal storytelling, Rodrigo Calderon brings his latest work He, to India, a play that delves into themes of memory, familial bonds, and the haunting return to one's roots in post-civil war El Salvador.

The Gentlemen’s Club is a unique exploration of drag king culture and a tribute to Bollywood's golden era through an immersive cabaret experience. Shikar, on the other hand is a dark comedy based in a city inhabited by both humans and other worldly beings.

A narrative on autonomy and gender dynamics, Urmila reinterprets ancient epics through a modern lens whereas Nidravathwam showcases how the mystical boons of Ramayan characters become curses.

Finally, Manam Theatre fest collaborates with Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival to present The Ghost of the Mountains: a gripping Ladakhi story of a young boy’s bravery and Mister Jeejeebhoy and the Birds - a whimsical adventure with siblings, a quirky aunt, and magical birds.

The festival is organized by The We Us Collective by Almond House which aims to infuse and encourage arts and culture in the city of Hyderabad. It includes providing a diverse set of platforms for performances, safe learning environments for creativity and is inclusive at its core. Almon House and Manam Chocolate consider craft and craft people as an inseparable part of their journey. This ethos extends itself to the Manam Theatre Festival and the craft of storytelling.

Follow Manam Theatre Festival here.

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