May 21 2025 to May 21 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Bag Dancing, written by Mike Kenny, one of England’s foremost playwrights for young audiences, is directed by Ujwala Rao and produced by Butai. The cast features acclaimed Kannada and English theatre artists B V Shrunga and Surabhi J Herur.

The play poignantly follows Imelda, a homeless woman who carries her life’s memories and stories in bags. Neville, a young worker at a homeless shelter, guards his emotions, burdened by his own past. As their unexpected friendship blossoms, they begin to share their stories, creating a meaningful bond between them.

Director’s Note:

Bag Dancing is a play that has drawn me in repeatedly. What continues to captivate me is how playwright Mike Kenny thoughtfully and playfully explores powerful themes such as war, displacement, and the intersection of mental health and authority—particularly through a lens that resonates with children and young audiences.

During the creative process, I’ve found the exploration of boxes and borders especially intriguing—who defines them, who decides their importance, and how we navigate the spaces they limit.

This play presents a unique opportunity for families and schools to engage in meaningful conversations with children, sparking discussions about complex topics that might otherwise seem too difficult or uncomfortable to address.

I hope Bag Dancing fosters reflection, curiosity, and open dialogue.

Credits:

Production Assistant: Rachana R
Choreography: Asha Basavaraj

Supported by:

Artistes

Mike Kenny
Playwright
Mike Kenny is widely regarded as one of England’s leading playwrights for young audiences. His body of work spans a rich spectrum—from inventive retellings of traditional stories to original plays and adaptations of both classic and contemporary literature. Among his acclaimed works are Boy with a Suitcase, The Railway Children, Cinderella, Bag Dancing, and Diary of an Action Man.

Kenny’s plays are regularly staged across the UK and internationally. He has received numerous accolades, including a place on the Independent on Sunday’s list of Top Ten Living Playwrights. In 2000, he became the first recipient of the Arts Council England’s Children’s Award for Playwriting for Children and Young People. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Nottingham in 2013.

Ujwala Rao
Design & Direction
Ujwala Rao is a theatre-maker from Bangalore, India, with over 12 years of theatre experience in various roles like actor, dramaturg, and director. A Chevening Scholarship awardee for Master of Arts in theatre making at the University of York, she has worked with
various theatre companies in Bangalore. Her involvement extends beyond the stage, including work as a performer and content writer for initiatives aimed at raising social awareness. Ujwala’s current directorial work includes two acclaimed productions – We Push the Sky by Qabila, and Bag Dancing, by Butai.

B V Shrunga
Performer
Shrunga is an actor, puppeteer, audiobook narrator and a translator, based in Bangalore. He is also a puppeteer, working and training in an adaptation of the Bunraku form and glove puppetry. He was a resident at Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research in 2010 and studied the use of breath as the source of performance energy. He won the best actor award at the Mahendra Excellence for Theatre Awards, 2019. He was a fellow at the Berliner Festspiele (Theatertreffen) – 2021.

Surabhi J Herur
Performer
Surabhi J Herur is a Bangalore based actor, director and dramaturg with over 20yrs of theatre practice. Apart from the stage, she designs and facilitates drama-based workshops that deal with themes of inclusion, equity and gaze.

Mangala N
Costume Design
Mangala N is a distinguished theatre practitioner based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. She is the co-founder and artistic director of Sanchari Theatre, established in 2004 with the aim of promoting stagecraft and drama. Mangala began her theatre training at Rangayana, Mysore, under the mentorship of B. V. Karanth.

Sanchari theatre’s initiatives have contributed significantly to the Kannada theatre scene. Mangala’s visionary approach and dedication have solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary Indian theatre, particularly within the Kannada cultural landscape.

Arun DT
Lighting Design
Arun DT has worked extensively in theatre in various technical departments. He has acted in various plays and is part of many amateur theatre groups. He is also a very sought-after lighting designer and technician for theatre, dance, and music productions. He has also worked his way into films and is working in the acting/direction department.

Sandeep Manjunath
Sound Design
Sandeep Manjunath is a musician and theatre practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Kannada theatre. His work spans a wide range of performance traditions and contemporary forms. Originally from India, he is currently based in Berlin, Germany.

Avinash Shivpure
Production & Sound Execution
Hailing from Bidar, Avinash began his theatre journey in 2017 and has since been associated with renowned groups such as Ranga Shankara, VASP, Rangasourabha, Bhoomija, Sanket, and Samudaya. He has worked across various roles—actor, production manager, backstage crew, and facilitator. Avinash has performed in over 300 shows across Karnataka and has been part of acclaimed plays like Tughlaq, Bendakalu on Toast, Neenanadre Naaneenaa, and Theru. As an artist, he is involved in various dubbing projects, as well as acting in advertisements and movies.

Sharath K
Creatives
Sharath K has been active in theatre for eight years, working as an actor, production manager, puppeteer, poster designer, photographer, and video editor in Kannada and English theatre. Beyond the stage, he is also a filmmaker, graphic designer, and visual artist. Combining storytelling, design, and technical expertise, Sharath brings creative projects to life across live performances and digital platforms, making him a versatile and dynamic artist.

Bhyrava
Production Supervisor
Bhyrava is a passionate theater practitioner, production, and event manager, dedicated to navigating the dynamic world of theater. With rich experience from Ranga Shankara, he has contributed to acclaimed productions like Bhoomija’s ”Tughlaq” and ”Hayavadana” Bangalore Theatre Collective’s ”Kaakadosha,” “Ninna Preetiya, Naanu” and Ranga Shankara’s ”Bendakaalu on Toast.” His fervent commitment to storytelling fuels his journey onstage.

Prajwal S
Production Supervisor
Prajwal is a theatre-maker from Bengaluru with over eight years of experience in the performing arts. Over the years he has worked with several theatre ensembles, wearing multiple hats both onstage and backstage. His artistic journey includes collaborating with eminent directors such as T.S. Nagabharana, B. Jayashree, S. Surendranath, and Abhishek Majumdar. Prajwal also spent a year and a half as a Programme Associate at Ranga Shankara, where he was involved in programming and festival management. In addition, he has volunteered for two editions of the AHA! International Theatre for Children Festival and three editions of Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival.