The Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), one of India's oldest cultural organisations, is set to hold its annual theatre festival at Mysore Association in Matunga, Mumbai, from May 20 to May 27. The festival will showcase a diverse range of performances, including two shows of 'Kaifi Aur Main' featuring acclaimed actors Shabana Azmi and Kanwaljeet Singh in Andheri.
Participating Units and Themes
According to Masood Akhtar, general secretary of IPTA Mumbai, units from Punjab, Delhi, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Patna, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Indore, and Nashik will present fresh plays in various languages. The performances will address critical social issues such as gender justice, labour rights, agrarian distress, economic inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, communal harmony, scientific temper, and democratic values.
Workshops and Forums
The festival will also feature workshops on scriptwriting and direction, panel discussions, audience interaction sessions, and networking forums for theatre practitioners. These activities aim to foster dialogue and skill development within the theatre community.
Dedication to Jitendra Raghuvanshi
This edition of the festival is dedicated to the memory of IPTA's former general secretary Jitendra Raghuvanshi, who played a pivotal role in strengthening the people's theatre movement. His contributions continue to inspire the organisation's mission.
History and Mission
Founded in 1943 amidst the backdrop of war, famine, and anti-imperialist struggles, IPTA has been committed to social transformation through theatre, music, literature, and the performing arts. The annual festival serves as a platform to promote these ideals and engage with contemporary issues.
