Constructing dreams: Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival to take off in Hyderabad on Nov 6

Hyderabad: The 19th edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival is set to take off in Hyderabad on November 6.

South India’s most prestigious theatre event will be held at Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex in Hyderabad from November 6 to 10.

Curated by Padmasri Mohammad Ali Baig, the four-day festival is a tribute to his father, the legendary Qadir Ali Baig. It has become a significant cultural event, attracting renowned theatre personalities from India and abroad.

A Week of Diverse Performances

This year’s festival offers a wide range of performances, including classical theatre, satire, love stories, dance theatre, and even stand-up comedy. Prominent performers such as Ila Arun, Nadira Babbar, Ashish Vidyarthi, K.K. Raina, and international theatre artist Alexander Wright from the UK will grace the stage.

Padmasri Mohammad Ali Baig said, “The festival is not just a tribute to my father but a celebration of theatre itself, bringing together a diverse group of artists and performances that connect with people from all walks of life.”

Notable Performances

One of the festival’s highlights is Miracle on Matunga Street, performed by Ila Arun and K.K. Raina. Adapted from Tom Dudzick’s Miracle on South Division Street, the satire explores familial bonds in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner. Ila Arun described the play as “a reflection of the many untold stories of everyday life, with moments that will resonate with everyone.”

Another standout is Ashish Vidyarthi’s stand-up act, inspired by his character Vitthal Kaanya from the film Vaastav. Vidyarthi expressed his excitement, saying, “This act is an opportunity for me to reconnect with the audience in a different format, drawing from my experiences in both theatre and film.”

Nadira Babbar will present Farida, a love story set in Kashmir, which she both wrote and directed. “Farida is an exploration of love amidst the complexities of life in Kashmir, a story that remains timeless and relevant,” she said.

Dance and Storytelling Elements

The festival also includes a dance-theatre performance by Praveen Kumar of the Chithkala School of Dance. His piece, Thyagaraja Hruth Sadhana, is based on the writings of the revered composer Thyagaraja. Praveen Kumar commented, “Dance is a form of storytelling, and this performance pays homage to one of India’s greatest musical minds.”

Alexander Wright from the UK will bring an interactive act based on Greek mythology. “Greek myths have universal themes, and I look forward to engaging with the audience here in Hyderabad uniquely,” Wright said.

Homage to Theatre Legend Begum Razia Baig

One of the most emotional moments of the festival will be An Ode to Motherhood, a concert performed by Zila Khan and Mohammad Ali Baig, dedicated to Hyderabad’s theatre doyenne Begum Razia Baig, who passed away earlier this year. Begum Razia Baig co-founded the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival and chaired it for 18 years.

Speaking about his mother’s legacy, Mohammad Ali Baig said, “This performance is a tribute to my mother, who was the soul of this festival. Her vision continues to inspire us.”

Workshops and Master Classes

In addition to performances, the festival will feature master classes by seasoned artists such as Dolly Thakore, Nadira Babbar, Alexander Wright, and Ashish Vidyarthi. These sessions aim to provide theatre enthusiasts with insights into acting, direction, and storytelling techniques.