Mar 15 2025 to Mar 15 2025 11 a.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

The idea is simple yet powerful: if audiences find it increasingly difficult to come to the theatre, why not take theatre to them? This initiative transforms some of the most successful plays—entertaining and time-tested—into a Storytelling Theatre format. With just two actors (sometimes even one), these plays are stripped of elaborate sets, costumes, and lighting, focusing purely on engaging storytelling and strong performances.

So far, ten plays have been adapted into this two-actor format. These include:

1. Robi’s Garden – A collection of Rabindranath Tagore’s most entertaining and unexpectedly humorous stories.
2. Salaam Molière – A tribute to the French playwright’s sharp wit and satire.
3. Tales of Tenali Rama – Clever and comedic folklore from South India.
4. A Collection of Indian Folk Tales – Stories passed down through generations.
5. Laughing at Death – A unique collection of stories that find humor in mortality.

And many more are in the pipeline!

This format makes theatre more accessible and brings compelling storytelling to wider audiences, outside conventional performance spaces. Expanding on this idea, we have a day long engagement with storytellers, actors and theatre lovers alike!

Part One: The Monologue Circle | 11 AM – 1:15 PM
Coordinated by S. Venkatesh, Karan Singh, and Murtuza Khetty

11:00 AM: Introduction to The Monologue Circle
11:15 AM: Monologue presentations (8 performances, 10 min each)
12:45 PM: Open Mic: Audience Comments & Q&A
1:15 PM: Break

Part Two: Courtyard Theatre | 3:45 PM – 7:30 PM

3:45 PM: Introduction to The Courtyard Theatre
4:00 PM: Excerpts from six plays (12 min each)

1. Creatures Great and Small – Presented by Sujatha Balakrishnan (For children’s audience)
2. Shakespeare by Any Other Name – Presented by Ranjitha Seshadri & Akshata Padaki (Open to all ages)
3. Salaam Molière – Presented by Archana Kariappa & Vijay Sharma (Open to all ages)
4. The Court Jester – Presented by Anju Singh & Kiran Lakhani (Open to all ages)
5. The Bottom Line – Presented by Sweta Daga & Akshara KPV (Open to all ages)
6. The Magic Drum – Presented by Naveen Tater & Murtuza Khetty (Open to all ages)

5:30 PM: Break
6:00 PM: Full Courtyard Play: Robi’s Garden – Performed by Minti Jain & Vijay Padaki (Open to all ages)
7:00 PM: Open Mic: Audience Comments & Q&A
7:30 PM:  Closing

This event is a part of the two day Storytelling Theatre Festival curated by Vijay Padaki. The link to the other event is here.