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Ahead of its new season, we visited G5A Warehouse to find out what's new
A venue for the performing arts never looks the same during its off season. There is a quiet studiousness about it that is different from the hectic vibe of a performance weekend. Yet, something was brewing beneath all that quiet at G5A’s Warehouse space in Mahalaxmi when we made our visit last week during their zero period. Sound engineer David Pinto is at work with several members of the curation team, as they plan the new season that begins on October 4. “Zero period is our time for preparation and upgrades. There are quite a few things happening this year,” shares Ishan Benegal, artistic director and curator of the space. Among the key upgrades is the new console and technology that will fortify the ambient sound of the performance space. It is something the Warehouse has been working towards since its inception in 2015, Benegal reveals. The new upgraded console “One of the main reasons for the delay was the lack of space, and the other factor was budget. Now, we are finally ready to upgrade, and the technology has also evolved alongside,” he remarks over a phone conversation as he is travelling. As we walk down the stairs towards the stage, Pinto points to the new speakers running along the side, and says, “We have added speakers behind the stage, as well as along the sides. Each speaker now is within limits, but provides more sonic clarity.” The console — an Allen and Heath Avantis — stands on the platform facing the vast main stage of the hall. Having worked with the old console for eight years, the sound engineer reveals that despite its efficiency, there was a need for an upgrade. “The previous console would provide us with 44.1 hz sound [effective for CD clarity]. This one captures it in 96 hz [studio quality]. It inherently increases the audio quality. Secondly, it will be able to handle a lot more in terms of sound when it comes to live performances,” he shares. New additional speakers, placed adjacent to the stage, provide an ambient effect Such upgrades are essential considering the multi-faceted nature of the space. “My personal view is that technology designed for a theatrical stage does not always capture the complete sense of musical performances, and vice versa. The objective was to find the sweet spot for the different performances,” Pinto points out. It’s a useful addition for the upcoming season. Benegal adds, “The new system fits the existing space without having to alter anything. It also syncs with our incoming DCP (Digital Cinema Projection).” The terrace and (right) café are set to undergo changes in the future The DCP is another major upgrade this year; particularly on view of its Cinema House which began in 2021. It was a suggestion that came from producer Nikkhil Advani and founder Anuradha Parikh on the advisory board, reveals Pinto. It [the DCP] is a tremendous help when it comes to film screenings. It simplifies and streamlines the process, while also ensuring security,” Benegal notes. The DCP software offers key authorisation for a limited period, preventing any unauthorised streaming of films. It protects data while also enhancing the quality. The system, which requires a separate room, will be set up in the upgraded gala area behind the main stage. Pinto shares that the space is being renovated, and the system is expected to arrive later this week, in time for the first artist-in-residence session by Kutiyattam and Nangiar Koothu performer, Kapila Venu. David Pinto, Anuradha Parikh and Ishan Benegal Parikh adds, “From the beginning, we have always encouraged work that is multidisciplinary and explores concepts and elements from new media. With this new equipment, we hope to reinforce it and nudge artistes to push their boundaries further.” The auditorium is also exploring ideas to transform the physical space. Pinto shares that the team is looking at fabrication for the terrace that will enable them to host performances in the monsoon. “We hope to give it a touch of sophistication without losing the intimacy it offers,” he notes. There are also talks to open up the Port Kitchen & Bar’s doors to introduce standing room options to patrons. But these are still at nascent stages of ideation, he says.The terrace of G5A WarehouseFor now, the focus is on the new season. In addition to Venu’s week-long residency and talks, Benegal adds that the season will look to reinforce ideas that align with their values. With the annual art festival in December, Should Art 2023, on the horizon, Parikh summarises things, “My hope is that we can together learn and strengthen this ecosystem into one that is more vibrant, equitable and courageous.” From October 4 to October 8At G5A Warehouse, Shakti Mills Lane, Laxmi Mills Estate, Mahalaxmi West. Log on to @g5afoundation or insider.in
03 October,2023 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Dive into classic Gujarati literature at the Asiatic Society Of Mumbai
With 456 spoken languages, India ranks fourth in the list of world’s most linguistically diverse nations. So, it comes as no surprise that the country has rich literature in several languages. Shining a light on Gujarati books are Tulsi Vatsal, an independent researcher, writer, and editor, and Aban Mukherji, a freelance writer and translator. The duo is set to deliver a talk on Two Cultures, One Language: Four 19th Century Gujarati Texts tomorrow at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai (ASM). Organised by The Literary Club of the ASM, this session will focus on four books — Dukhi Dadiba and the Irony of Fate by Dadi Edulji Taraporewala, Karan Ghelo by Nandashankar Mehta and Relating to Dahigauri by Narmada Shankar Dave and Travels in Iran by Kavasji Dinshaw Keasna; which have been co-translated by Tulsi Vatsal and Aban Mukherji. The duo, for the past several years have been reading Gujarati texts and translating those that have interested them. “Tulsi and I find these four books very interesting, and we have always been keen on the 19th century Gujarati literature. The four books that we have chosen for our talk are from the second half of the nineteenth century. This was a period when English education and British policies impacted every aspect of Indian life,” shares Mukherji. Vatsal points out that Indian writers, in the 19th century, had begun to move away from traditional religious themes, and had begun experimenting with the form of the modern novel. “In Karan Ghelo, we can see the influence of writers like Sir Walter Scott, while Dukhi Dadiba reads like a Victorian romance. Both texts reflect the great unease generated by Western ideas regarding the condition of women,” she shares, adding that the threat to patriarchal norms is evident in Narmada Shankar Dave’s text Relating to Dahigauri. Interestingly, Karan Ghelo, which is the first literary novel written in Gujarati, has not been out of print since 1866. Elaborating about the part of the talk that mentions ‘two cultures, one language’, they explain that though the medium of language is Gujarati for these books, Kavasji Dinshaw Keasna and Dadi Edulji Taraporewala belonged to the Parsi community. Which meant that they brought in their own cultural nuances to the story they told, which were different from how the storytelling progresses in the text written by Nandashankar Mehta and Narmada Shankar Dave, who were Gujaratis. Tulsi Vatsal The talk will also delve into the fact that the 19th century gave birth to Gujarati travel literature as several Parsis and Gujaratis travelled around the world and wrote about their experiences. “Enterprising and adventurous youth undertook journeys to distant lands. Like Keasna, who spent two years in Iran in the 1970s, about which he wrote a book [Travels in Iran]. His travels in Iran provide an invaluable account of the handful of Zoroastrians who remained faithful to their religion and culture in a hostile environment,” the duo shared. Aban Mukherji Tomorrow’s conversation will witness several such interesting nuances, the relevance of the four books will be examined; and the writers’ distinctive style, tone and treatment will be probed. “Each book has a distinctive style of writing and how the story proceeds, which people will be able to understand when we read out excerpts in the session. When it came to translating these books, we have been faithful, and we have retained the styles of the writers,” said Vatsal. “We hope that the talk will ignite an interest in 19th century Gujarati literature, as very few people these days read the original Gujarati text. We hope that people understand and appreciate that we have managed to translate these classics by retaining the flavour of the original book,” Mukherji signs off.
03 October,2023 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Pooja Patel
Mumbai motorheads can experience thrill of drifting at this festival in Thane
Racing as a sport has always defied physics and human belief. Think Ayrton Senna driving one-handed through the streets of Monaco in 1990, or Michael Schumacher in the rain at the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix. Yet, beyond the speed of racing lies the complex art of drifting. The three-day long Festival of Speed at the Raymond Race track in Thane seeks to transform the art into an unforgettable experience for Mumbai’s motorheads. “It [drifting] is the most exciting thing,” shares Mudit Grover, co-founder, Bad Boi Drifts that will be hosting the festival alongside BND Motorsport. The 28-year-old began his journey into motorsports in 2014-15 and has since participated in rallies, track time attacks, drag races among others. “Drifting is difficult, and not to be tried without supervision or control,” he warns. Especially as it requires the car to move in a way it is not often meant to. “You have to throw the car into a slide, where it is not in complete control. At the same time, you use the throttle input, steering input, the weight and balance of the car to maintain the slide precisely through the corner,” he elaborates. This dissonance between the expectation and reality of the car’s trajectory makes it an exciting watch. To transform this into an experience for users can be both expensive and challenging. Since their first drift event that was held earlier this year in March, the team has been working towards hosting more training camps and events across Delhi and Mumbai. By stripping down and modifying a fleet of cars to suit drift specifications, it is possible to reduce the cost, Grover believes. Co-founder Mudit Grover “It takes a lot to build a car, aside from the maintenance, tires, fuel transportation etc. Our set-up enables an all-inclusive platform where people can enjoy the ride, and test their skills. The time and resources are managed by us at a budget price,” shares co-founder, Mugdha Grover. For this event, the decision to team up with Gautam Singhania, a doyen of India’s motorsport scene, was a natural fit, she admits. The event combines elements of autocross — track time attacks, speed rides — with drifting battles for the first time. For Esports enthusiasts, there are drifting and racing simulators available. Car owners with access to vehicles with rear-wheel drive can sign up for drift lessons before trying it out in the controlled environment. A recommended experience is the drift taxi ride where passengers can sign up for up to three laps with a racing professional. Fans examine the cars during an event “Most people have witnessed it only in the movies. When you are in the passenger’s seat, your brain is expecting that the car will move right at the next corner. When it drifts left, while moving right, there is a dissonance. Throw in the G-force, and it becomes an exhilarating experience. Nothing comes close to it,” he concludes. From: October 6 to October 8; 8 am to 10 pmAt: Raymond Race Track, JK Gram, Thane West.Log on to: insider.inCost: Rs 500 onwards (spectator charges); Rs 1,200 onwards (participation charges) A supercar sets the track time during a previous edition Driver safety instructions >> Driver/co-driver should wear protective clothing. Shorts are not permitted>> Footwear must cover the entire foot>> All loose items, within and outside the car, must be removed. These include hand-held items such as, but not limited to, cameras and cell phones>> Ensure that your car does not have any leakage, or a loose battery>> Cars must have functioning headlights (if the vehicle is scheduled to run after sunset)>> Drivers must enter and exit the pit lane at a safe speed relative to other cars in or near the pits>> Do not block the line-up>> Don’t offer passenger laps to spectators>> In case of a red flag, slow down and return to the pits immediately Spectator safety instructions >> Don’t walk on or across the racecourse >> If you are travelling with children, please keep them under supervision.>> Do not stand too close to the track>> At service points do not crowd over mechanics while they are working >> In case of any incident or injury, please alert the nearest marshal
03 October,2023 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Shasn Cup is back with its second edition for all those who love politics
In the board game Shasn, you don’t win by chance or luck. You strategise every move. Creator Zain Memon tells us, “It is a political strategy game where everyone is a politician campaigning for an upcoming election. At the heart of it, it is a competitive game that requires a deep level of strategic thinking which we created to facilitate a healthy way to have political conversations while having fun.” After their first nationwide tournament in 2019, the Shasn Cup is back for its second edition where six gaming events across 45 days will be held in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. The Mumbai leg of the tournament will be held over the next three Thursdays from October 5 onwards. Zain Memon The competition will have four qualifying rounds leading to the semi-final showdown, the city championship final and the grand finale where finalists from each city will go head-to-head for the winning title. The grand finale will be held on October 26 and will have the finalists flown down to Delhi, Mumbai or Goa where the event will be live-streamed for all. The extended duration of the second edition will allow participants to meet other board gamers while engaging in multiple games of strategy, diplomacy and political intrigue. Those who emerge as winners will win the prestigious trophy, prize money as well as other prizes. Explaining the basics of the gameplay, Memon shares, “At every turn, you take a stand on a political issue by answering a question. You win resources like campaign funds, media attention, and clout on the streets based on how you respond. Employ these resources to influence voters in different districts. The person with the backing of the most voters in the country at the end of the game wins the election.” Developed between 2018 and 2019, the game was made available globally in March 2021. Memon shares that the game’s development has had a journey of its own. He notes, “It went through many iterations before it reached the final version. The first tournament was played when the game wasn’t even in its final version, it evolved as players developed strategies that I couldn’t even imagine. I’m hoping to see that happen again as the players get into action at the second tournament.” Those interested in learning tricks and plays of the game can head to the Shasn YouTube channel to watch the first tournament’s grand finale. “The first tournament was extremely tense, and packed with a lot of action,” Memon concludes. On: October 5, 12, 19 and 26; 6 pm to 10 pmAt: Doolally Taproom, Khar WestLog on to: insider.in Participation fee Rs 300 onwards Creator’s game tips >> Don’t draw attention to yourself. It might result in the rest of the players making concerted efforts to bring you down >> You don’t have to be politically clued-in or a politician to play the game. Focus your techniques on strategising, negotiating, diplomacy and using all your available resources smartly>> Always be sceptical even when working with others to bring a player down because there can only be one winner at the end of the game
03 October,2023 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Tanishka D’Lyma
After premiering in Paris, this play is set to be presented in Mumbai
A woman plays several roles in her life and each poses its own challenges, but being a mother is perhaps the most taxing of them all. The play, Mummy’s Dead, Long Live Mummy! tries to portray the struggles of motherhood in the most honest way possible, and with a pinch of comedy. After a successful premiere in Paris, the show is being presented in India by Lila Naatak Company, with Viviane Bossina, Melinda Mayor, Laura Wood and Koël Purie Rinchet in the cast. Purie-Rinchet, who has written the script and is co-producing it, says that the idea was born out of the need to break the myth and glorification of motherhood. “Becoming a mother is a solitary and unique experience, and it can be one of the most nuanced and difficult chapters in your life story; no two mothers have the same story to tell,” she says. Viviane Bossina, Koël Purie Rinchet, Melinda Mayor and Laura Wood perform in Delhi “The play focuses on the journey of four mothers with children of different ages, dealing with the ups and downs, trials and tribulations of motherhood with themes such as guilt, perfectionism, child development issues, sexuality, bullying, racism and a woman’s internal struggle,” shares Ira Dubey, co-producer of the play. Interestingly, this is a form of theatre where the characters remain nameless. To portray the raw and relentless nature of parenting in this format of play is no mean feat. Tiffany Hoffstetter, the director, found that it was an exciting challenge to stage the play using flashbacks, and the different time space each character occupies. “This is always fun to explore as it’s something we see often in a film, but producing it on stage is a whole different ball game,” she explains. The show has been constantly growing and evolving even after the crew started presenting in front of the audience. The showrunners hope that this play, which will travel to London later this month, leaves the audience with a feeling that they are not alone, regardless of whether they are mothers or not; that almost everyone puts on a brave face and gets by as best as they can day to day. Most of all, they hope that it starts an open conversation. On Today; 5 pm and 8 pm At Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Vile Parle West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 980
02 October,2023 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Pooja Patel
What led to Taylor Swift becoming a global phenomenon
Imma let you finish,” said Taylor Swift at 2015 VMAs, and the audience broke into hoots and whistles, already aware of what was coming next, “but Kanye West has had one of the greatest careers of all times!” This supposed revenge was due for eight years, when West stole Swift’s spotlight in 2009 and snatched the mic from the then 17-year-old awardee, to announce that he believes that Beyoncé has the greatest video of all times. But even as Swift’s response goes down as one of the sweetest on-stage revenges, the charm of Swift lies in the fact that she was genuinely complimenting the rapper, while also delivering the comeback her fans needed. Selena Gomez and Swift are believed to be the music industry’s favourite BFFs. Pics courtesy/Instagram Swiftie or not, you’d have to be living under a rock to be unaware of the 33-year-old’s achievements this year. Whether it is the fact that the pop superstar has contributed in helping the United States of America recover from the recession through her Eras Tour, or that she was the biggest winner at the recently concluded 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Swift has consistently made headlines. Taking things to the next level, The University of Melbourne in Australia recently announced that it will host a three-day event, Swiftposium 2024, where experts and researchers will examine her impact on subjects ranging from fandom and pop culture, to economy. They’re also hoping that Swift shows up. More than a superstar “Taylor Swift is a brand, and at the same time, so much more,” announces Siddhant More, founder of Mad over Marketing, a platform that specialises in marketing. “Her fanbase is considered to be the largest today. K-pop has the only fanbase that comes close to Swifties. But even when we say that, we need to take note of the fact that K-pop is an entire niche, with countless artistes. Swift is one person.” Mihika Bhanot Mihika Bhanot, image consultant and personal branding expert agrees, “One would think that it is easy to hate a white girl, who’s pretty, popular, and fairly privileged. But universities in New York teach courses on Swift’s career. The first few rows of seats get booked within five minutes of the announcement of her concert.” According to Bhanot and More, Swift is as much a businesswoman as she is a star. “She uses fashion as her marketing mantra,” More tells us. “Every outfit she wears is a mystery to decode. Just like her songs, her outfits have details that reveal secret messages. They are instantly up for discussion, as Swifties try to connect the dots of her clothing choices with the events of her life.” Siddhant More; Debarati Roy; Bbhuvaneshwarii and Sonal Gadhvi But what stands out for Bhanot is the standard fashion choices she makes. “As a global pop star, one would expect you to make wack fashion choices, with differently coloured hair, for instance. But Taylor Swift has always carried her silky hair, with tweaks as little as curls. It gives her this smooth artiste look. You will barely see her in pants, as well. It’s always been dresses and skirts. She goes by the book with her fashion choices; she always does it right. This look that she’s chosen for herself adds to her consistency as an artiste, and thus, it comes across as more sustainable than, perhaps, when sporting a wacky look.” Consistency is key For Debarati Roy, image consultant and corporate trainer, consistency has a huge role to play in her career. “Taylor Swift doesn’t allow you to forget her,” she asserts, “She will sit back when she knows it’s time for a breather. But you can always count on her to make a comeback. Then comes the hype around: ‘Oh, what is she coming back with this time?’ As an artiste, Swift has switched between genres. She is aware that she’s a big personality. But that has never led her to experiment with other professions. She’s never turned to, say, starting her own beauty brand. She can very well do that. But the evolution she chose to make was as an artiste, and then became the best at that.” Humble beginnings Roy believes that her ability to stay relevant wins above all else. And the fact that she’s not had as smooth a beginning, helps. “Swift is most popular for writing her own songs. The most important thing as a professional is to ensure that you’re always in control, and that you’re in the driver’s seat. Swift has been doing exactly that from the beginning, when she probably didn’t have the backing of a strong team.” Holistic value architects Bbhuvaneshwarii and Sonal Gadhvi believe that your beginnings make a huge difference in the kind of person you become. “Swift has had a stable childhood. This played an extremely important role as it helped her develop a strong set of values that she never deviates from. She knows what she stands for, and practices the same. Every celebrity must find their motive, and choose to grow by contributing to themselves as well as society. This helps them grow multifold.” Know your community Above all, Bhanot thinks that the major reason behind Taylor’s huge fanbase is that she has the knack to take the people who have stood by her, including her fans, on the route to success. “Every professional must keep in mind to treat their employees how they would treat their clients, and vice versa. Taylor does that best. She includes her fans in her decisions, and is loyal to them, just as she is with her team. As for the latter, she respects them, and treats them with dignity and on priority, as she does with her fans. It is important to be invested in both parties, equally. Acknowledge them for their contribution in your success and lead in a way that everyone grows with you.” But it is not only her team and fans that Taylor treats well. “She is deeply involved with the community she works with. You will often find her standing up for fellow artistes like Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran, without the fear of being dragged into unnecessary controversies. And in turn, they give her the same backing,” elaborates Roy. “She has a simple personality with a golden heart, and wears these attributes gracefully, even when at her lowest. This makes her the superstar that she is today,” Bhanot concludes.
02 October,2023 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi
Revival of the Gandhian legacy in Tardeo
When Mahatma Gandhi was asked to give a message to the people in Bengal, following the pacification of Hindu-Muslim riots, he had said, “My life is my message.” For a young Tulisdas Kanji Somaiya, these four words weaved the path for a road he’d choose to walk on for the rest of his life. It is 11 am when we reach Gandhi Book Centre, a two-storey bungalow at Nana Chowk. “Fifty per cent off”, reads a huge poster hanging from the ends of two adjacent buildings. We meet 86-year-old Somaiya on the second floor. With the support of his walking stick, he walks out of his office-cum-home and leads us into an another room which has a museum-like set up. “This room documents the entire life of Gandhi’s follower Vinoba Bhave,” he tells us, adding that he was a part of his Land Gift Mission. “I have met him many times in my life. He tried following Gandhi’s way of living, and in my eyes, I see no difference between the two. It was under Bhave’s guidance that Sarvodaya Mandal came into being, followed by this bookstore.” In his late 30s, Somaiya, who was an engineer, quit his job to join this mandal. “As a child, I would passionately read and follow Gandhi’s work. I wanted to lead a life dedicated to social service just like him. So, I travelled India, visiting libraries and centres dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. I had decided to spend my life at Sabarmati Ashram, but I returned to Mumbai for some family-related work. Just as I was about to return, I found myself sandwiched between a huge crowd trying to board a train at the Kurla Station. Amid the hassle to get in, I got pushed down, and ended up getting severely injured.” For years to come, Somaiya was unable to use his left arm. “I was more or less handicapped,” he tells us. That’s when we started collecting books by Gandhi and Bhave, and opened up a store in 1982. “I am aware that it is impossible to match the scale of service they delivered, but I try doing it through spreading their words.” Premshankar Tiwari We walk downstairs to the huge space that houses over 450 books on Mahatma Gandhi. On the pillars that hold the structure up are pictures of students and jail inmates giving exams, and reading books. “Till now, we have conducted exams based on Gandhian literature in 182 schools across Maharashtra. Kaka [as Somaiya is affectionately called] began this initiative as his way to serve the society,” says manager Premshankar Tiwari. Once a lawyer, he turned to service, Tiwari has been working with the centre for over 22 years. “We have books for students across standards, right from students in fifth grade to post graduate students. Once they complete using the books, we make test papers and send them across. Over the past 15 years, we have also started visiting jails and giving lectures. We send the books, and conduct exams for them as well,” he informs us. Tuslidas Somaiya on the second floor, dedicated to a small museum for Vinoba Bhave and his office-cum-home Somaiya became part of Laxman Gole’s life, a former prisoner, who is known widely for his journey of change from a criminal to a Gandhian preacher, and now a lecturer and author. “In 2007, kaka visited me in the jail,” Gole tells us over a phone call from Karjat, “He gave me Gandhi’s autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth. I was not keen on the book in the beginning, but the title was inviting. Experiments with truth, that was exactly what I did after reading the book. In a few months, I confessed to all my crimes, and willingly accepted the sentences given to me. Only after I had taken the right actions did I write to Somaiya kaka, informing how one book given by him changed my view on the world for good, and forever. He’s like a guru to me.” After he was released from jail, Gole worked with Gandhi Book Centre for a few months under Somaiya. “Gole is now married and lives happily with his wife and two daughters. He delivers lectures on Gandhi’s teachings across Maharashtra, and now probably knows more about Gandhi than I do,” Somaiya smiles. He peruses Gandhi’s Life in Colour, a photobook that documents each stage of the freedom fighter’s life in restored, colourful pictures. Pics/Ashish Raje When we ask them how the book centre is faring in times of a digitally accustomed generation, Tiwari says, “Gandhi is immortal, and so is this book centre.” He further tells us that because everything is now available online, they shifted their centre online as well. “Most books available in this bookstore for a cost, are available for free on our website. We have more than two lakh visitors from more than 180 countries monthly. The benefit of Google is that it takes one click to translate the text in your preferred language. We remain the top website among students and researchers interested in Gandhian literature even today,” he says. This year, the space is hosting events throughout the week to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Their first event is an open public lecture on October 1 at St Joseph’s School Hall in Bandra West. Time 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)At Gandhi Book Centre, 299, Tardeo Road, Nana Chowk, Grant Road West.Call 23872061 (50 per cent sale on books till October 7)Log on to mkgandhi.org Rare finds in store These books are currently out of print, and the store claims to be one of the few to still have the copies 1. Epigrams from Gandhi 2. Thought of the Day (Thoughts by Gandhi are written in his handwriting)3. Quotes of Gandhi
01 October,2023 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi
Catch this dance performance on self-doubt in Harkat Studios at Versova
As young artistes building their careers, Bengaluru-based Surendra Tekale and Chetan Yeragera found that uncertainty and doubt are part of the creative experience. After several discussions about it, when words failed, they used art to express themselves. They embraced these feelings as a means of working through them and at the tail of this engagement, Lost in Oscillation, a contemporary dance piece, was born. The next performance will be held this Saturday at Harkat Studios in Versova. The piece is conceptualised and directed by Tekale, and co-created and performed by Yeragera, with a small team of contemporary theatre and movement artistes including Gloria Bee, Kalyani Sarada, Dayanand Akhilesh, Kshitij Jahagirdar, Bharath Yadav and Jananei S. “Lost in Oscillation enters the character’s mind to portray self-doubt through movement,” notes Tekale. With a background in theatre and dance, Tekale combined the two mediums to create a performance of raw expression. Taking on the physical reflection of as well as response to self-doubt, the dancer moves in ‘sharp angles, fragmented gestures, and sudden transitions that oscillate between vulnerability and defiance’. Every iteration that is performed is new and spontaneous. “We have set the structure and skeleton but the dancer has the freedom to feel, move and improvise,” Bengaluru-based Tekale tells us. Dancing to soundscapes that have been stitched together from sounds like raindrops and murmurs of conversation, Yeragera performs through an original dance language. Explaining the process of building this vocabulary of movement, Tekale shares that bodies that have been trained in a particular dance will remember and move in that manner. To unlearn all that training, Yeragera would dance for hours until his body moved from a space that was more authentic to his being. Surendra Tekale in performance. Pic Courtesy/Kirthi Kumar If self-doubt is a baseless fear, facing it might be the only solution. This contemporary dance performance champions confrontation for the performer and audience as well, which is why the piece shines in intimate spaces and box theatre set-ups where the audience is seated in close proximity. “When the audience is seated close to the performance and has full visibility of his expression, they are forced to confront these fears, they don’t have the freedom to look away at this distance,” Tekale shares, adding that the aim of the piece is to confront self-doubt. “We also want to take contemporary art to more people instead of having the piece live in a bubble,” he concludes. On September 30; 7 pmAt Harkat Studios, Bungalow No 17, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West.Log on to inside.inEntry Rs 350
30 September,2023 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Tanishka D’Lyma
Attend this Olympic-themed festival of films and photographs at NCPA in Mumbai
The spirit of Milkha Singh streaking through Rome’s Olympic stadium in grainy black and white. The glory of Indian hockey’s golden years recalled through rare footage. YouTube does not justify the blood, sweat and tears that went into these achievements. A still from the film, Olimpiad en Mexico from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico which earned an Academy Award nomination The Olympics In Reel Life — A Festival of Films and Photographs, organised by the Film Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, will showcase rare footage from archival films and photographs in a week-long festival at the NCPA, starting October 1. The fest will then move to Delhi from October 7 to 14. A moment from Carlos Saura’s iconic film, Marathon, on the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona The series is a prelude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session hosted by India later this month, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder-director of the foundation tells us. Having been approached by the Olympic Museum in early February, Dungarpur and his team curated a final list of 33 films. A behind the scenes moment from Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary, Olympia, on the 1936 Olympics in Munich. Pics Courtesy/International Olympic Committee “The films have been made by some of the greatest filmmakers of their times. Carlos Saura, Miloš Forman, Kon Ichikawa, John Schlesinger among them. They capture the human drama and marvel of sport,” he remarks. Milkha Singh (second from left) misses the bronze in the 400m men’s final at the 1960 Olympics in Rome In addition, the festival has also tied up with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to highlight the achievements of Indians in the Olympic Games by showcasing iconic moments from the Games across 15 locations in the city on the same day. A moment from La Grande Olimpiade by Romolo Marcellini on the 1960 Olympics in Rome which was nominated for an Academy award The festival will also host a photography exhibition, Olympism Made Visible, led by the Olympic Museum, featuring the works of acclaimed photographers Dana Lixenberg, Lorenzo Vitturi and Poulomi Basu documenting their works on sports and the human condition around the world. Harbans Lal Suri competes in the marathon at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo Lixenberg and Vitturi will also be hosting workshops, shares Dungarpur. For all its cinematic beauty, the festival is a reminder of the greats of the past and might inspire a new generation to future glory. The Indian delegation celebrates the gold medal after defeating Pakistan in the men’s hockey finals at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo From: October 2 to 7; 10 am onwardsAt: Little Theatre; Godrej Dance Theatre; Open Air Plaza; NCPA, Nariman PointLog on to: @filmheritagefoundation On: Instagram PV Sindhu at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo Catch the photo exhibition on Indians at the Olympics here >> Colaba Woods Garden, Colaba>> Tulsidas Kilachand Garden, Malabar Hill>> Priyadarshini Park, Napean Sea Road>> August Kranti Maidan, Gowalia Tank >> Maharshi Karve Park, Wadala>> Muktananda Park, Santacruz West >> Rao Saheb Patwardhan Udyan, Khar West>> Girgaon Chowpatty Viewing Deck, Chowpatty>> Dadar Chowpatty Viewing Deck, Dadar>> Bhakti Park Garden, Wadala>> Garden Plot at Hiranandani Complex, Powai>> Lala Tulsiram Udyan, Mulund>> Gen Arunkumar Vaidya Garden, Borivali West>> Vaikunth Park/Ramesh More Park, Andheri West>> Krishna Rao Rane Maidan, JVPD, Juhu
28 September,2023 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Mid-Day Mumbai Guide: Make the most of Thursday to Sunday
ThursdaySing for Lataji Attend a musical biography that celebrates milestones from the late Lata Mangeshkar’s life on her 75th birth anniversary. The show, Amrit Lata, is presented by the culture group Chaurang, and will showcase a selection of 75 songs.Time 8.30 pm onwardsAt Prabodhankar Thackeray Hall, Sodawala Lane, Borivali WestLog On to facebook.com/Chaurang or in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 200 onwards FridayDabba of health Order a healthy and tasty lunch and dinner from Café Arpan’s comfort food dabba service that boasts of new weekly menus. This week, they’re offering amchuri bhindi sabzi, chole with mini kulchas, Korean veggie ramen, rasgullas and more.Time 10 am to 9 pm Call 9892418057 Cost Rs 100 to Rs 200 Read-a-ton Bookchor’s Lock The Box Bookfair comes to Thane where readers can grab titles on their to-be-read lists at great prices. The one-time payment system lets you carry home as many books as you can fit in a box.Till October 8; 11 am to 10 pmAt Korum Mall, Mangal Pandey Road, Eastern Express Highway, Thane WestCall 9050111218Cost Rs 1,199 onwards (a box that fits 10 to 12 books) SaturdayCultural deep-dive A partial illustration of Rama and his brothers. Pic Courtesy/CSMVS Sign up for Culture across Asia — Different stories, same values, a series of online sessions that explore the vastness of Asian culture through food, clothing, art, architecture and more. The series of six Saturday sessions begins with an introduction to culture by Chetana Gosavi, and is ideal for students between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Time 11 am to 10 pmLog on to mow@csmvs.in (to register for the session) I’ll be there for you If you’re a fan of the sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S, head to Cat Café Studio for a trivia night based on the show. Answer questions about Joey’s famous catchphrases, Rachel’s cooking skills and sing Smelly cat to the furry residents of the cafe. Time 6 pm onwardsAt Cat Café Studio, Aram Nagar Part I, Versova, Andheri West. log on to linktr.ee/Catcafestudio cost R149 onwards To the moon and back Learn to build a rocket ship, aliens and a rover from LEGO bricks at Sunday Bricks’ Chandrayaan LEGO workshop. The evening batch is open for ages five to nine. Time 4.30 pm to 6 pmAt TOD Bubble, Mathali CHS, Madanlal Dhingra Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane WestLog on to sundaybricksstoreindia.myinstamojo.comCost Rs 850 SundayStamp it Get handy tips from experts on how to design, carve, ink and print your own artwork using linoleum and wooden blocks at Kuchbhi Studio’s handmade-relief block printmaking basics workshop this weekend.Time 12.30 pm to 6.30 pmAt Kuchbhi Studio, Krishna Heritage building, Charai, Thane West.Email kuchbhistudio@gmail.comCall 9321227630
28 September,2023 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Tanishka D’Lyma
Discover Vile Parle's fascinating heritage at this lecture on Saturday
In what the Art Deco Mumbai Trust calls its first attempt to go local, it will host a public lecture that revolves around the historical and cultural significance of the suburb of Vile Parle this Saturday. Conducting this bi-lingual lecture in Marathi and English is Mumbai-based historian, archaeologist, author and a Vile Parle-resident Sandeep Dahisarkar. “It is the story of Vile Parle’s transformation from a hamlet to a modern suburb,” says Suhasini Krishnan, head of outreach and content. Dahisarkar, who was awarded the Gulestan Bilimoria Junior Research Fellowship by the Asiatic Society of Mumbai in 2017, has written two books. His first one, The Pathare Kshatriyas of Bombay was an outcome of this fellowship report, while the second one in Marathi named Parle: Jaat Agyat, published in 2023, is a collection of research articles on the history of Mumbai’s suburbs. Krishnan remarks, “Whenever we think about the history of suburbs, it somehow, always ends with Bandra. Even for Bandra, we have a lot of content available on religious history, and not much on the cultural front. It is important to explore suburbs like Vile Parle that have a lot of cultural significance. Few people know about the suburb as much as Sandeep, and of course, other residents who will make part of the audience.” Sandeep Dahisarkar Dahisarkar tells us that among the topics that will be discussed, he will include history and development of Vile Parle before and after the arrival of the British, the shaping of Vile Parle as a cultural centre, important names like Rao Bahadur GK Mhatre, Seth Govardhandas Goculdas Tejpal, artistes KR Ketkar, PuLa Deshpande and Vijay Tendulkar who found a home here, its heritage structures and the Swarajya Movement. “Vile Parle is also known as the Tilak Village because his followers were known to reside here. Hence, we will talk about the Swarajya Movement as seen in the suburbs after Lokamanya Tilak’s death. We will also look at the suburb through a modern lens, and discuss how redevelopment is leading to the demolition of several heritage buildings, including old marriage halls, temples — many of which were made in art deco style,” he says. The informal setting will make this session interesting; here, residents will engage with the lecturer and share about their neighbourhood, how they have adapted to time, and the cultural and architectural shifts. “With this initiative, we aim to go local. Mumbai is a city that cannot be categorised or placed in a single template. You don’t have to travel for miles to notice the vast difference in demographics. For instance, look at the many Hindu colonies adjacent to Parsi colonies across the city. This difference and the similarities in cultures can be explained best by locals. Hence, this lecture is an attempt at drawing out local history and appreciating the diversity of the city,” Krishnan signs off. On: September 30; 6 pm onwards At: Keshavrao Ghaisas Auditorium, behind ML Dahanukar College of Commerce, Vile Parle EastLog On to: @sandeep. jagannathji; @artdecomumbai (registration link in bio)
28 September,2023 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi