Manam Theatre Festival: Celebrate exuberance of art in Hyderabad till Dec 15

Hyderabad: The second edition of the Manam Theatre Festival is set to captivate Hyderabad.

Organized by The We_Us Collective, an initiative of the Almond House Foundation, the festival, which started on November 15 and concludes on December 15, celebrates diversity in theatre through a remarkable lineup of performances from India and abroad.

Over five weekends, audiences can enjoy 24 performances across multiple venues, including the University of Hyderabad, MCRHRDI, Rangbhoomi Spaces, and Glendale Academy. Tickets are available on Insider.in and Paytm.

Performances and Visiting Troupes

The festival brings a mix of traditional and experimental productions. Highlights include:

• Project Darling by Sharanya Ramprakash, commissioned by Prakash Raj, explores women’s roles in Kannada theatre and culture.

• Adishakti Theatre’s Urmila and Nidravathwam, reinterpreting ancient epics through a modern lens.

• Patchworks Ensemble’s The Gentleman’s Club, directed by Sheena Khalid and Puja Sarup, is an immersive cabaret exploring drag king culture and Bollywood nostalgia.

• He by Australian artist Rodrigo Calderon, focusing on memory and familial bonds in post-civil war El Salvador.

Collaborations and Fringe Events

The festival also collaborates with the Hyderabad Children’s Theatre Festival for a week-long program featuring Gillo Repertory Theatre’s plays, including The Ghost of the Mountains and Mister Jeejeebhoy and the Birds.

Between the weekend performances, fringe events such as panel discussions, workshops, and meet-and-greets will engage and educate audiences.

Thematic Focus on Inclusion

This year’s theme, “Together, We Belong,” emphasizes inclusion and belonging.

“At its heart, Manam Theatre Festival 2024 is more than a celebration of theatre. It is a convergence of diverse voices and perspectives, where experiences are shared, and a true sense of belonging is nurtured,” said Harika Vedula, Founder-Director of the festival.

Support from Almond House

The festival is backed by Almond House and Manam Chocolate, reflecting their commitment to art and community building.

“For Almond House and Manam Chocolate, craft, and craftspeople have been an inseparable part of our journey. Manam Theatre Festival helps further our desire to interpret brands not merely as commerce but as social enterprises,” said Chaitanya Muppala, CEO of Almond House and Founder of Manam Chocolate.

An Invitation to Celebrate Theatre

With performances in multiple languages and diverse artistic forms, Manam Theatre Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for Hyderabad’s audiences. From thought-provoking narratives to innovative interpretations, the festival offers a platform for performers and spectators to connect through the transformative power of live theatre.

For more details and schedules, visit www.manamtheatrefestival.com.