What began as a modest one or two-day gathering thirteen years ago has blossomed into one of Lucknow's most anticipated cultural events. The Repertwahr festival, held recently, successfully completed a vibrant four-day edition, marking its most significant and talked-about iteration to date. The festival's remarkable growth underscores a rising public appetite for performing arts in the city.
From Humble Beginnings to a Cultural Landmark
Founder Priyanka Sarkar expressed both joy and surprise at the festival's evolution. "We never thought it would grow this big and be loved by so many people," she remarked. The numbers speak for themselves: this year's event saw double the footfall compared to the previous year. Despite the soaring popularity, Sarkar emphasized that profit was never the driving force. "We never focused on profit," she stated, highlighting the team's passion-driven approach.
The preparation for the festival is an extensive, labor-of-love process that begins a full five months in advance. Sarkar described the team's mindset, saying they approach each edition with fresh enthusiasm, as if doing it for the first time, with the constant aim of making Lucknow love it even more.
Curating the Lucknow Experience: Techno, Literature, and Decor
This year's festival introduced new elements while deepening its connection to local culture. A key highlight was the introduction of techno music, broadening the event's artistic palette. Meticulous attention was paid to the venue's aesthetics to enhance the overall experience.
"We worked on every minute detail of the ground so that it looks more beautiful," Sarkar explained. "The idea was to ensure that the decor should give more of the literature and the Lucknow feel." This focus on creating an immersive, locally-rooted ambiance contributed to what she described as a better organised and compact show.
The Road to Perfection and Core Mission
Reflecting on the 13-year journey, Sarkar noted that achieving this level of organization took time and continuous learning. "It took us 13 years to make it an organised show, and the target now is to achieve perfection. The imperfection helps us to improve every year," she added, viewing each year's challenges as opportunities for growth.
She extended gratitude to her uncle, the event's first sponsor, the adoring public, and her dedicated team for making the journey possible. The festival's core objective, as stated, is to foster appreciation for performing arts and artists among Lucknow's residents and to make these arts accessible to lesser-exposed audiences.
The festival actively challenges the notion that theatre and music are age-specific. Instead, it strives to provide an inclusive and engaging experience that transcends generational boundaries, bringing together diverse audiences under the shared umbrella of artistic expression. The Repertwahr festival's story is a testament to community support, artistic dedication, and the evolving cultural landscape of Lucknow.
