A melange of performing arts at Navras from 18 March

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Jawahar Kala Kendra is set to host the second edition of its performing arts festival, Navras. Spanning over a period of 9 days from March 18 to 26, the festival will present a series of rich and diverse productions of theatre, contemporary dance and Sufi, classical, pop and fusion music. The varied programme has been put together keeping in mind the interests of the audience. The idea is to give the audiences the chance to experience the arts and its impact in a range of spectacular spaces within the JKK premises.

The festival will open on 18 March with a performance by noted singer Shubha Mudgal and her band Koshish.

Shubha Mudgal to perform at Navras n Jaipur on 18 March

The days that follow will witness many artistic presentations including dance productions – Ganapati by Adishakti and Timeless by Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company, theatre productions – Kaumudi by Abhishek Majumdar and White Rabbit Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour as well as music performances such as sufi Kalam by Zila Khan and classical music by Shruti Sadolikar and Vidya Shah.

The premier of Phool Kesula Phool, a theatre production commissioned by JKK and directed by Rajendra Panchal will also be hosted during the festival. JKK will also be presenting Tilchattey ki Diary, a play for children that was also commissioned in summer 2016.

A key feature of this year’s programming is a shift from proscenium based theatre. In an attempt to introduce the audience to alternative viewing strategies, several experimental productions have been invited to Navras. For example, in White Rabbit Red Rabbit there is nothing between the actor and the audience – no directorial vision, no production design and no technical histrionics.

In addition to the various performances there will also be a small food court offering local food and a session of ‘Meet the Artist’ where the artists will interact with the audiences and media.

An exhibition ‘Women on Record’ curated and designed by Parthiv Shah will also be inaugurated on 26 March. It is a showcase of the world of incredible women of the black and white era, of the Salon, the Tawaifs, stories, riddles, anecdotes, photographs and songs. This will be enunciated by a performance of classical music by Vidya Shah.

Says the Director General, JKK, Pooja Sood : “JKK is proud to present yet again, a variety of nationally acclaimed performances in music, dance and theatre to audiences in Jaipur. If Navras means to have new experiences, then it is our endeavor that the audiences in Jaipur enrich themselves in experiencing theatre dance and music in new and diverse ways. We are also proud to showcase 2 commissioned theatre productions by JKK.”