A Mumbai-based theatre group will open the Velas Turtle Festival with a play that blends wildlife conservation, topical humour, and traditional folk art
A moment from the rehearsal of the play in Byculla. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
An Olive Ridley turtle strutting on two legs, wielding a selfie stick and vlogging his day in a distinct Konkani dialect. No, we’re not recalling a fever dream. That’s exactly what we witnessed at the rehearsal of Sangeet Kurmakhyan at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo on Wednesday evening. Conceptualised by Vanyavani Foundation and directed by Makarand Sawant, the play featuring artistes from Mumbai, Thane, Konkan, Vidarbha, and beyond is all set to premiere at the Velas Turtle Festival this weekend.
Olive Ridley turtles in Velas. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
“While wildlife documentaries work really well in rural areas, the visuals often entice the viewer so much, the message becomes secondary,” says Sawant. The new play, supported by the Mangrove Cell, Mumbai Zoo, and independent researchers, is rooted in folk Vyakhyan, Powada, and Bharud traditions to strike a chord. Gen Z viewers need not fret, we can assure you there are enough ‘viral’ references to keep you hooked.
Makarand Sawant
Sixth in a series of wildlife plays supported and launched by the Zoo, we’re informed that the play will soon be presented in Mumbai after the Konkan campaign. Seated next to us, Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director of the zoo, adds an optimistic outlook, “Nearly 80 per cent of the audience at the previous plays has been children who enjoyed learning something new.”
ON April 11, 18
AT Velas and Guhagar villages, Ratnagiri.
LOG ON TO @vanyavanifoundation (for details)
Official Speak
Kanchan Pawar, Divisional Forest Officer, shares her views ahead of the festival
Why bring a wildlife play to the festival?
Many young children visit the festival. The play will speak directly to them, while introducing them to fading folk art forms.
Please share about community conservation efforts this year.
We identified hotspots and possible first-time sites. We visited fisherfolk and schools to spread awareness on handling hatchlings. To our delight, spots like Adivare saw turtles for the first time this year.
How does the future look for the turtles?
They’re in safe hands. Our Kasav Mitras (local network) include both first-generation conservators and their children, who have happily joined them.
Meet the characters
Pendya Seth and Mama
The play unfolds on a pristine beach with turtle settlements that falls in the hands of this cunning duo. After renaming it Malamal Bunder, the hatching spot becomes a fancy tourist and illegal trade centre.
Chakwa
You haven’t met him, but you’ve seen him online. This enthusiastic vlogger is the typical ‘travel influencer’ who cares little about wildlife, and much more about followers.
Kasav
The star of the show delivers some timely lessons, like the distinction between turtles and tortoises, the solitary nature of Olive Ridleys, and the vital role they play in the food chain.
Turtle trails
Join these guided tours to witness the phenomenon in an ethical way
Kasav in a scene from the play
Mischief Treks
Spend a day in a traditional Konkani homestay and head out to watch the turtles take their first steps. The guided-tour suits solo travellers, couples, and families.
ON April 17 and 24
MEETING POINT Pick-up points across Mumbai
LOG ON TO mischieftreks.com
ENTRY Rs 3,100 (includes travel, accommodation, and food)
Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra
The group that pioneered Olive Ridley conservation in the Konkan belt helps tourists find accommodation and guidance through their network. The modest homestays offer shared dormitories.
TILL April 26
AT Velas and Guhagar villages, Ratnagiri.
CALL 9423831700
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