Imagine a cold, dark night with a tribe sitting around a fire waiting for Santa Claus while he is on his rounds. Two kids drop out of a hot-air balloon, and set in motion a musical narration of stories, experiences and dance that adds to the joy of the season. If it sounds ambitious, it is, says theatre maker Ulka Mayur. “It is never easy to make a production with kids, but it is always fun,” she says, describing the work going into the making of her upcoming musical, You, Me and Gubbare. The title takes off from the ‘gubbare’ or balloons used by the two children to get to this mystical land. “They arrive by accident, and it is a sweet, fun moment when they land in the midst of this group of adults waiting around on Christmas Eve,” Mayur says. Ulka Mayur rehearses the script with the children Though rehearsals only began a month ago, Mayur has been working on the concept for a few months. The play, she reveals, contains a motif that is as old as time in drama; more specifically Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Like the Chaucerian epic, Mayur’s script has the children discovering more about the individual members of the camp as they begin to narrate their story. “The use of this premise is a happy one, and common in literature. There are four key stories, with every story becoming a piece in itself,” she reveals. These short pieces offer a chance to add colour through musical interludes. The cast of 15, including seven children, are all musically inclined. “We purposefully chose the cast to ensure that the music is integrated into the performance. For instance, we have a boy who is learning Kathak, another plays the tabla and djembe, there are two guitarists and a few singers as well. It makes the performance, even the rehearsals, such fun,” she admits. The kids perform a scene with an actor playing Santa While the theatre maker had initially planned the performance around children, the season of Christmas made the stories all the more relevant. “The mini-stories offer an insight into the experiences of human nature, kindness and gentleness. One story tells of a mall-based Santa trying to retain his place against the emergence of a fitter, healthier Santa. Another speaks of a fictional reindeer who wants to fit into the crowd. These tales enable the children to understand the true spirit of the festivities, beyond the gifts and the decorations,” Mayur says. It is easy to forget the work that goes into making things fun. The director shares, “But it is so important to have fun. Children today, like adults, have such a hectic lifestyle. For this play itself, we had to find time since we could not rehearse every week. We worked in pairs, and sometimes online. But the important thing was to ensure that the children, and the grown-ups, enjoyed while they worked,” she says. It is this element of fun that she hopes to bring back to the audience. After all, there is no better way to enjoy Christmas than with childlike joy. Ulka Mayur ON December 24; 5.30 pm and 7 pm AT Veda Kunba Theatre, Four Bungalows, Andheri West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 450
23 December,2024 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe festive and wedding season is all about showing up, any place, any time and soaking in the fun and frolic. But let’s be honest, it can also mean endless commitments and the pressure to look flawless where your daily routines go awry. Amidst these challenges, it’s critical to avoid social burnout. We’ve got you covered, courtesy a mental health expert. → Festive fatigue 101“The term refers to a state of mind where we feel physically and mentally exhausted due to prolonged and intense social interaction,” explains counselling psychologist Bhaavika Vachani. Signs include emotional exhaustion, where individuals feel drained, irritated, or detached in social settings. Physical fatigue and feeling constantly tired, sluggish with headaches, or muscle tension can make mundane tasks feel daunting. Cognitive fog, including difficulty focusing or forgetting details, is another red flag. “Attending an event may evoke a sense of dread, heightened restlessness, social withdrawal and loss of enjoyment for some turning activities and interactions they once loved into unfulfilling obligations,” she explains. Bhaavika Vachani →Understanding the whysThe phenomenon has many triggers. Vachani emphasises the importance of identifying them. The pressure of perfection is a key factor since these events demand adherence to unspoken social standards of appearance, behaviour, and interaction. “This can feel emotionally draining and overwhelming as it stretches one’s emotional bandwidth; some might feel inadequate and engage in comparison with others,” she explains. A packed calendar doesn’t help — especially in a city like Mumbai, where commuting and constantly juggling commitments can create a chronic sense of hurry. Financial stress stemming from expenses like gift-giving or buying new clothes can make the joy of celebrations quickly feel like a bill you’d rather not pay. → Set boundariesHealthy boundaries are essential for managing social burnout. “Time boundaries can involve politely declining or limiting time at social engagements. It can be as simple as saying, ‘I’d love to come, but I would like to leave by 9 pm. Avoid over-committing or double-booking yourself,” says Vachani. Having emotional boundaries in place can help individuals check on themselves when their surroundings or people are draining them. It’s important to step away at such times to think about it. Physical boundaries, such as choosing comfortable seating or stepping outside for fresh air, are crucial. “Overstimulation in certain social situations can be triggered by loud music, large crowds, and more. Conversational boundaries are also equally important. Be aware of your triggers and excuse yourself or change the topic of conversation when the need arises,” she notes. It is important to take time off to rejuvenate. Representation pics → Ditch the guilt Feeling guilty about saying no? Vachani suggests a mindset shift to tackle this guilt. “Try to understand where the guilt is coming from; it often stems from perceived expectations or the fear of letting someone down. Try to reframe the situation and understand that declining an invitation isn’t a rejection of that person. She says, “Instead of thinking, ‘I’m letting them down,’ shift to, ‘I’m preserving my energy to show up better in future moments with them’.” It’s important to understand that an individual’s absence doesn’t diminish their value in relationships. Consistent and quality engagement matters more than constant availability. → Balance the beamFinding a balance between social obligations and personal well-being is crucial. Balance must be intentionally created to conserve energy and nurture meaningful social interactions. Start by prioritising events based on their importance and emotional connections. “Ask yourself simple questions such as, does this event align with my values or the relationships that matter to me? This helps set things into perspective,” suggests Vachani. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) often drives over-commitment, leading to burnout. To counter this, Vachani emphasises scheduling downtime for rest and maintaining aspects of your routine. “We don’t plan for a post-social recharge enough, but it’s essential for recovery and replenishing your emotional and mental reserve,” she advises. Recharging doesn’t need elaborate efforts like bubble baths — it can be as simple as taking a day to rest, detox, or even sticking to a routine. Vachani suggests having a rest routine in place during stressful periods. “Rest days can include spending the day on a digital or physical detox, going for a walk, engaging in creative hobbies and more.” Practices like deep breathing and mindfulness help centre individuals and recharge their social battery. Simple techniques — such as box breathing and the 54321 method — can be done in public to manage feeling overwhelmed (see box, below). These tools can make an individual feel more in control and restore a sense of stability. Anchoring oneself with positive affirmations can also be helpful. Practical self-care habits such as journaling, guided meditations, or structured calendars reduce mental clutter and support mindfulness. Reach out to family and friends for support and to help ease the load → Be a burnout buddyFamily and friends can also support those facing social burnout by recognising signs, validating feelings, and offering practical help with tasks to ease their load. “Avoid pressuring them about plans or participation. Instead, offer reassurance with statements such as ‘Your presence matters more than your perfection, show up as who you are,” she explains. If needed, encourage them to seek professional support for an effective recovery. Try this out “Box breathing can be done as per an individuals time preference where one inhales for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and holds for 4 counts before repeating the process. The 54321 technique is another immediate solution: think and name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.”
23 December,2024 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaAs will be the case with many, this writer’s last successful Goa trip feels like it happened ages ago. One sight from the sunshine state that is etched in our memory, however, is catching a glimpse of the ornate tomb of 16th Century saint and Jesuit St Francis Xavier at the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa from afar. Enshrined in an elaborate tomb carved by Italian sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini are the 470-year-old mortal remains (or relics) of the saint. All of it — except his right hand. For, in the early 1600s, the arm was severed and shipped to Rome to be preserved in the Church of Gesu. The relics are carried in the cart built by the Sequeira brothers. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; Youtube At the ongoing decennial exposition, where the casket is ceremoniously moved from the Basilica to the nearby Se Cathedral, the faithful witnessed a Christmastime miracle of sorts. A replica of the right arm, clasping a cross, stood atop an intricate recreation of the tomb on which the casket lay. When we hear that the artists behind this marvel are the Sequeira Brothers from Vasai’s quaint Giriz village, we’re hardly surprised. From rural Amravati in eastern Maharashtra to altars in Aberdeen, Scotland, there’s barely any ground their sculptures, statues and replicas haven’t covered. Artisans at the Giriz workshop. PICS/Sayyed Sameer Abedi On a sleepy afternoon in Lahaan Giriz, we navigate its narrow lanes to find Sequeira Art World. The distant, but perpetual buzzing of chainsaws cutting through wood guides us well. At the workshop, Benzoni, the elder brother, is chipping away on his newest piece. “Can you believe it?” he smiles as he hands us his reference picture. It’s an AI-generated visual of the Holy Family sent in by a Dubai family. “It’s more detailed than what we usually receive, and so it needs more attention,” he adds. A work-in-progress shot of the cart While most of the chiselling happens on the ground floor, the bigger secrets lie in the many rooms on the second floor of the workshop. Now accompanied by brother Mingleshwar and his son Mark Sequeira, we are shown the moulds that were used to create the panels that adorn the sides of the replica cart. “I visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus with permission from its parish priest Fr Adrian Furtado, who is also the brains behind the blueprint of the cart. Through our visits and reference pictures from various angles, we were able to design and prepare these moulds,” Mark reveals as he points towards the mould for a bas relief that portrays the missionary work of the saint. The bas relief depicting St Francis Xavier’s missionary work The cart is made using marine plywood for the flat panels and fibre to recreate the elaborate carvings and bas reliefs. What makes it even more special, is the record time it was built in. “It was sometime in September when Fr Furtado reached out to us. The chassis of the cart was already crafted by another electric vehicle manufacturer in Chennai, and we had a month’s time to finish the exteriors. We worked from 7 am to 12 pm every day of the week,” recalls Benzoni, rather gleefully. Do the long hours never get to them, we wonder. “It doesn’t feel like work at all. I would work longer hours if I could, but our families already think we are a tad crazy,” he laughs. The fibre and silicone mould used to craft it The Sequeiras can sit back now; the cart will speak for itself at the entrance of the Se Cathedral where it is placed till January 5, when the exposition ends. But they won’t — the brothers have a long list of projects lined up for Christmas. One that is reaching conclusion at the time of our visit is a replica of the altar at the Nandakhal Church in Virar that will find a new home in Dubai. In another room, Benzoni shows us millennium crosses of varying sizes that will make their way to various dioceses across India to mark the holy year in 2025 declared by Pope Francis. Benzoni (left) and Mark Sequeira work on a piece with an AI-generated reference picture Amidst the polished wood sculptures, we notice a rather understated piece of woodwork. “That one is a bust of our father, Renold Sequeira,” Benzoni tells us. ‘Renold Uncle’ to the neighbourhood and ‘Michelangelo of Vasai’ for the world, the veteran sculptor passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic leaving an evidently lasting legacy. “I made my first crucifix sculpture under his supervision when I was six years old. When he passed on, we expanded our workshop. An old Sivan tree stood where the extended space now lies. We sculpted the bust using wood from the same tree,” Benzoni reveals. Just how Renold Uncle would have liked to be remembered, we’re sure. At Sequeira Art World, Small Giriz, St Francis Xavier Road, Vasai West. Call 7798380913 (for queries)
21 December,2024 12:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is a day before her performance at the New Bombay Keraleeya Samaj Hall in Nerul when we catch Kalamandalam Sindhu for a conversation on the classical set she is bringing to the city as part of the Women’s Theatre Festival on folklore by Keli, a Mumbai-based cultural organisation. Running short on time and high in spirit she takes the initiative to explain the ancient dance form to us, “Koodiyattam is an 1,800-year-old ancient theatre from Kerala that borrows solely from Sanskrit plays for scripting. It was initially a form of dramatised dance worship but later it expanded to the realms of theatre as well. Natyashashtra’s Dasharupakam talks about the dramaturgy of Koodiyattam in detail.” Kalamandalam Sindhu enacting Sita during a performance of Sreeramacharitham Nangiarkoothu Originating in the sangam era and relying on expressions, acting and music to drive the storytelling of the play, the history of Koodiyattam has been through many interesting transitions. “Initially, Koodiyattam as a dance form was restricted to the people of the Nambiar and Chakiyar community. They would learn and practice it strictly within their families. It was only in 1965 that the Kerala Kalamandalam started teaching Koodiyattam to everyone. Now, it has spread to every nook and corner of the world. Earlier, women were also not allowed to be part of Koodiyattam. But with time, women were allowed to be part of it with changes in the choreography as well,” she tells us. Sindhu’s performance is spread over two days; the first day will see her explore the inner turmoil of Tara, Bali’s widow who gets betrothed to Sugriva, his brother, and then gets abandoned later when Sugriva retreats to the forest on failing to keep his promise with Lord Rama. “In Ramayana, nobody talks about the torment that Tara went through and none of the Koodiyattam texts also narrate her side of the story. During my research I came upon Udatta Raaghavam written by Mayuraja, which is a six-act drama of the Ramayana and I decided to build upon the fourth act, which introduces Tara to explore her reaction on being abandoned by both Bali and Sugriva,” she explains. As part of her performance, Sindhu consulted Dr CM Neelakandan, a Sanskrit scholar to write her the shlokas for the performance and scripted an acting manual especially for the act, all by herself. Ramachandran Keli Building on the same, Ramachandran Keli, the director of this festival, shares, “In Indian mythology and folklore, there is a concept of the five noble women. They are Draupadi, Ahilya, Sita, Tara and Mandodari. They are powerful because they asked questions about a patriarchal system that was unjust to them. Koodiyattam was also very patriarchal, which is why Sindhu’s innovative stance on the Ramayana and specifically, Tara’s story is relevant from a culture and gender politics perspective.” The second performance is based on a prahasanam or farce play by Bodhayanan that depicts an interesting conversation between two women. A teacher in Margi, a classical arts organisation in Kerala, Sindhu will be performing in Mumbai after almost 30 years, “I have been working on Tara’s soliloquy for a while, and I am excited for people to see the performance. It is important to tell such folk stories that aren’t usually talked about. It fuels the artiste in me. Without Koodiyattam, I cannot imagine this life,” she signs off. On December 21 and 22; 6.30 pm AT New Bombay Keraleeya Samaj, Dr D Y Patil Vidyanagar, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
21 December,2024 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaMele Kalikimaka by The Andrews sisters: THIS rendition by The Andrews Sisters breaks the stereotype of a white Christmas. The lyrics talk about how Christmas will be green and bright in Hawaii, and the song is portrayed as an Islander’s Christmas greeting. This song works as living proof that Christmas is a festival celebrated by all at a global stage, irrespective of the weather conditions. The Hawaiian name, as you’ve probably guessed, translates to Merry Christmas. Groovy Xmas by The Linda Lindas: As the name suggests, this is a Christmas song one can dance to. It could be a lovely addition to your Christmas playlist, due to the upbeat tempo. The lyrics are well-put with iconic references to Santa, the Grinch, Charlie Brown and pumpkin spiced lattés. These references hit all the right spots for the listener, especially when in need of Christmas cheer. A moment from Sia’s Snowman I wanna be with you (On Christmas day) by The National Parks: Christmas is the season of love, among other things. This song explores the longing for togetherness during this season. One may even call it a love song with a Christmas theme, as it speaks about the various ways the artiste wants to spend Christmas, as long as it is with the one he loves. It also references the birth of Christ. Space Christmas by Allo’ Darlin: This could definitely make it to the family playlist. It speaks about the hypothetical future where the artiste and her partner spend Christmas in space. It also hints at the idea of how a good, thoughtful Christmas doesn’t depend on the cost of the gift or how elaborate the celebrations are, but simply the intent behind it. Snowman by Sia: The pop sensation released this track in 2017. With a soothing rhythm, this song can be the calm amidst the Christmas chaos. While the music is calming, the lyrics are deep and could be the perfect balance between the highs and lows this season is bound to bring. The lyrics talk about the snowman crying (melting) while accompanying the artist who goes on to refer to herself as Mrs Snowman in the chorus. The Jonas Brothers in performance. Pics courtesy/YouTube Like it’s Christmas by The Jonas Brothers: It is said that ‘Home is where the heart is,’ but the Jonas Brothers, after describing the perfect Christmas in this song, go on to say that every day can be Christmas as long as it is with the right people or person. The chorus reads, “You make every day feel like it’s Christmas,” which is a romantic notion that can make this song the perfect addition to your playlist if you’ve found your senses being taken over by the Christmas love-bug this season. Cozy Little Christmas by Katy Perry: Katy Perry made an impression on the Gen-Z crowd with quite a few hits, but four years ago she also came out with a Christmas song. The song speaks about how she doesn’t want fancy expensive gifts but just wishes to spend time with that one special someone. The song is catchy; has Christmas references throughout, along with hints of festive romance. Elton John (left) and Ed Sheeran in the music video of Merry Christmas Make it to Christmas by Alessia Cara: While many agree that this season is also the season of heartbreak, this song explores the idea of how hard it is to cope with pain amidst all the Christmas cheer. And so, we see the artiste question if all the heartbreak and pain can just be postponed to after the season is over, because who wants to spend this time alone? If you find yourself in similar situations during this festive time, this song might be for you. Merry Christmas by Ed Sheeran Ft Elton John: Ed Sheeran is quickly becoming one of the city’s favourite international artistes with songs for every mood. This song, with its hopeful lyrics and soothing music, make it a must-hear as the year ends. While the lyrics have a certain depth to it, overall the song has a feel-good vibe about it, making it hard to resist a smile. While the song simply aims to wish you a Merry Christmas, it also assures that the past year can be left behind as you look towards new horizons. Katy Perry in a Santa-inspired outfit The happiest Christmas tree by Nat King Cole: With an upbeat groove and playful lyrics, this OG track is one that the children will absolutely adore. The music is catchy, and before you know it, the kids around you will be mindlessly singing along to this song. This is one of those Christmas songs that every age-group can enjoy, making it the perfect song to add to a family Christmas playlist. Available: Apple Music, Spotify Also listen to: >> DJ play a Christmas song – Cher (2023)>> Christmas Lights – Zach Seabaugh (2023)>> A nonsense Christmas – Sabrina Carpenter (2023)
21 December,2024 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheEarlier this month, one of the additions on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was the Japanese rice drink, sake. On the UNESCO website, the inscription mentioned that ‘the traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan’ was included in this prestigious list. Before this global acknowledgement of its cultural significance, the beverage had made its presence in India, particularly in the past three to four years. Tonu Bage, representative and sake expert at Rad Elan, one of the leading distributors of sake in the country, calls the Japanese spirit the middle child of the alcohol family. “It is stronger than wine and beer but too polite to party like the spirits,” she tells us. Tonu Bage Sake is of two types: Junmai and non-junmai, and is crafted across regions in the country, like Hyogo, Niigata Kobe, Nada and Fushimi. Junmai is made from rice, water, yeast and koji while non-junmai includes an addition of neutral alcohol called Jozo, or brewer’s alcohol. “Under this, there are four types that fall under premium categories: Daiginjo, made from rice that is milled to 70 per cent, and Ginjo with up to 60 per cent brewer’s alcohol. For junmai ginjo and junmai daiginjo, the milling ratio remains the same but with no additional alcohol. Other base level categories include honjozo and futsushu,” Bage informs. Best appreciated as neat shots, cocktails tend to lose the taste of the spirit. “The umami is lost,” she reveals, adding, “but it is a good way to interact with the spirit.” Sake is savoured in shot glasses called ochoko, poured into a cup from a ceramic decanter called tokkuri. “The server or host holds the bottle with two hands — right hand holds the neck, and the left holds the base. It is polite to use both hands when pouring and receiving sake,” she points out. Anil Kably of Izumi, Bandra, says Mumbai has a long way to go to improve its appetite for sake. Masumi Kuro, a junmai ginjo sake (Rs 5,700 for 300ml), is a top seller at the restaurant. “We conduct training for our staff two to three times a year, so they are able to offer it to our guests. The good thing about sake is that it has various flavours and textural notes, some being dry while others are fruity and floral. Junmai daiginjo generally has a fruitier flavour. In general, the higher the polishing the more refined the sake,” he elaborates. Sake in the city Ichigo sour >> Ichigo sour (Rs 827) is a delightful blend of strawberry, balsamic, and sake, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s sweet yet sour. Coming up on the menu is kira kira (Rs 850), a sparkling sake with fresh grapes. It’s a take on Bellini or a mimosa. Avantika Malik AT Mizu Izakaya, ground floor, Ganga Jamuna Building, 14th Road, Khar West. CALL 9372023641 Sakuraaaa >> We assure you the spellings are not incorrect. Co-founder of Donmai, Sameer Uttamsingh, has named the cocktails with an extra punch. “In Matchaaaa (R875), we make a matcha concoction with gin and sake, which is then clarified by milk washing. Sameer Uttamsingh It is stirred over ice. It is garnished with a drop of shiso oil and served with a matcha flavoured pocky. Sakuraaaa (Rs 945), has gin, cranberry juice and cherry extract mixed over ice with edible glitter. This is topped with sparkling sake.AT Donmai, G-03, Altimus, opposite Doordarshan Towers, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli. CALL 9730659776 >> The sake menu at this Bandra space is designed to provide guests with an authentic and curated experience of Japan’s most iconic beverage. They are handpicked from many regions of Japan to give a diverse selection, ranging from Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Honjozo styles. “We serve our sake in hand-crafted ceramic cups [ochoko] or cedar masu boxes for a traditional touch,” explains Syesha Kapoor, its co-founder. Tokachi ice (Rs 1,200) is an aromatic effervescent drink with umami from shitake rum and vanilla infused sake and topped with sparkling wine.AT Akina, Turner Road, Bandra West. CALL 8976452911 >> Masako (Rs 1,250) is spiked with herbal tea blend with chamomile, jasmine, rose and lavender, citrus, mushroom infusion and fresh lychee juice, and is named after the Empress of Japan.AT Dashanzi, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. CALL 66933344 >> At Mirai, the mojito gets a refreshing Japanese twist in the form of the Asian sake lemonade (R800). This is prepared with Honjozo sake, aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, Thai basil leaves and fresh muskmelon.AT Suburbia Building, between Linking Road and Swami Vivekananda Road, Bandra West. CALL 9004618228 >> Masumi kaya sake and Good day soju are muddled with refreshingly fruity flavours with a garnish of a berry smoke bubble to create a Geisha-style concoction (R870).AT Amaru, KC Marg, General Arunkumar Vaidya Nagar, Bandra West. CALL 9833450040 >> The residents of Koliwada brew their ferments in-house, which taste very similar to sake, and are very fruity and uplifting. The folks at Slink & Bardot took inspiration and put together a Koli echoes (R1,200), a cocktail with sake, vodka, Umeshu, lychee, cucumber and fresh lemon.AT Slink & Bardot, Thadani House 329/A, opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli Village. CALL 9326965643 Did You Know? Originally, sake was made only by women. As demand increased, men became involved in the process. Today, people of all genders can master the knowledge and skills. Sake-making is transmitted through apprenticeships. Information: courtesy: UNESCO/ inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Top sakes in Mumbai Sake can be differentiated in daiginjo ( 70 per cent); ginjo (60 per cent); honjozo and genshu (base alcohol) brews. >> Gekkeikan (Junmai Daiginjo)>> Hakushika Yamadanishiki (Junmai genshu)>> Borngold (Junmai daiginjo)>> Hakutsuru Awayuki (sparkling)>> Hakushika Tokubetsu Yamadanishiki (Honjozo)
20 December,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaOn the week that the new Superman trailer comes out, there is another saga of heroes being readied at the familiar Bandra hub of St Andrews’ Auditorium. Ashaita Mahajan, co-founder Cafe Arpan and trustee, Yash Charitable Trust (YCT), is busy with the planning for the annual showcase of the trust’s members, Saarang Sandhya, when she answers our call. “The whole idea of Saarang Sandhya was to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities [on December 3],” she shares. Better late than never, as the programme will seek to break down the barriers between the differently-abled and others on stage. “The performance is primarily a way to show that the world is a better place when people with, and without disabilities, come together on a common platform. There aren’t that many differences between us,” Mahajan adds. Titled Guardians of the Unlikely, the performance showcase will include eight skits featuring musical performances, drama and dance routines rolled into one 90-minute long performance. Interspersed with intervals, the show is being managed by a team of 50 individuals. “The showcase is not just a moment for members of the YCT community to shine, but also the larger support groups that we often work and collaborate with,” the trustee points out. The troupe rehearses a song on stage Among those working closely with the performers is co-trustee Sia Mirchandani. Revealing that the preparation began almost four months ago, she says, “The performance revolves around unsung heroes. Everyone is a hero in their own way, but there are some who underplay their role. They are the ones we hope to bring attention to.” The platforming of such talent is one of the key reasons the trust pays such attention to the showcase, Mahajan notes. The audition process was a long, but a fun experience. “We try to pick up the nuances of their personality and assign characters accordingly,” Mirchandani reveals. A moment from a previous performance Yet, does the challenge of performing on a public stage result in any cold feet, we ask. No, says Mirchandani. The exuberance is shared by the performers as well. She says, “They want to do so much more than we can plan. We sometimes tone it down. They are all very excited. For the participants, to get a platform to perform, and display their talents is what makes it such an exciting opportunity.” Ashaita Mahajan and Sia Mirchandani The showcase also marks a decade of the NGO’s operations in the city. “We started 10 years ago, and have some big things coming up in 2025. Hopefully, there are many more to come,” shares Mahajan. ON Today; 7 pmAT St Andrews’ Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST R300 (Seating on first come-first served basis)
20 December,2024 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThere is a treat in store for bibliophiles and fans of natural history at Premchand Roychand Gallery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). The venue is currently displaying books from the late 18th century to 1947 as part of the 10th Rare Books Exhibition: Hidden Hands in Colonial Natural Histories. The finds include records left behind by the colonial artists as well as preserved documents that highlight the cultural, architectural and geographical makeup of India at the time. “We’ve been holding these exhibitions since 1993,” shares Dr Ashok Kothari, chairman at the Library Committee of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Dr Pheroza Godrej takes a tour of the exhibition with Dr Kothari While on the tour with Kothari, we spot editions of National Geographic magazines from 1926, and the 1940s editions of the Illustrated Weekly of India. “At the time, the British and the Maharajas managed these [collections].” In one of the photographs, we spot a creek ferry boat, linking islands to the mainland. Next, we are shown the dinner menu of the Taj Mahal Hotel from 1952 and those from the steamers. We also find a copy of Modern Bombay and her Patriotic Citizens, opened to a black-and-white photograph of the Bhatia Baug. A collection of Bombay Courier editions at the exhibition Mounted on the walls are prints of the artworks studied by researchers under the McGill University project. “This project’s effort is one-third of the exhibition. One-third is by the BNHS and one-third is Dr Kothari’s collection,” explains Mrinal Kapadia, founder of India Visual Art Archive and one of the contributors to the project. The project was initiated by the McGill University, Montreal, with the purpose of uncovering unacknowledged hands that contributed to the natural history artwork generated from this era. “At times, the labour to provide information and material was supplied by indigenous people, servants and local guides.The university received a three-year grant to study this.” The McGill exhibition features historical artworks of native flora and fauna from across the city Among the artwork, the most prominent one in the gallery is of James Forbes, the British artist. “He’s important because he was one of the earliest to visually document the flora and fauna of India, particularly Western India, and Bombay’s first resident artist,” shares Kapadia. Keeping with the theme of natural history, the BNHS team invited Dr Pheroza Godrej, environmentalist, art historian and founder of Cymroza Art Gallery, for the inauguration. Visitor reccos >> Oriental Memoirs by James Forbes: I love natural history and prints and James Forbes, it’s a combination. I think that’s why they invited me; they know my special interests. I’m impressed by the research; some of them are even Indians like Vikram Bhatt, who chose the print with the palankeen (palanquin).Dr Pheroza Godrej, art historian and guest of honour Dr Ashok Kothari >> Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier: What I liked most were the archives of the previous articles from the Bombay newspapers, Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier. It’s from the time before Independence. I also liked the books from Dr Kothari’s collection.Anwesha Sirvee, student >> 18th Century maps: These books are very nostalgic; they take you in the past. Some of these are hand-painted. I was looking at the collection of maps of India on display; people usually don’t know what India looked like in the 18th century. When you look at these, you learn about the real India at the time.Deenanath Kamath, advocate >> Indian birds and ducks (by John Gould and EC Stuart Baker): We liked the maps because they were created before India’s Independence. I also liked the collection of rare birds that we weren’t aware of; we particularly liked their colours. The vintage collection of books is also special.Tejal Chaudhari, software engineer >> Bombay’s Mazagaon mango and the purple-eyed butterfly: It is tough to pinpoint a favourite piece [from the exhibition]. If I had to highlight one, it would be the print of the Mazagaon mango of Bombay accompanied with a distinct butterfly. Now, if only I could taste that mango!Nabilah Ladhabhoy, former student of McGill University Till: December 22; 10.30 am to 5.30 pmAt: Premchand Roychand Gallery, CSMVS, 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Entry: Rs 150 (Museum entry ticket)
20 December,2024 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThursday A Sufi eveningTheatre: Kick-start the weekend mood by attending Jo Dooba So Paar, a musical dastangoi based on the life of Amir Khusrau presented by theatre group Aranya.Time 8 pm onwards At Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 500 Friday Participants paint at a previous art session Sketch it outArt: Challenge yourself to sketch a moving figure, and learn to capture dynamic poses and human movements on paper in this art session. Time 6 pm to 8 pm At 3Arthouse, Ajanta Building, 3rd Cross Road, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to @3arthouse on Instagram Cost Rs 200 Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia commons Soup for the soulFood: From warm minestrone soup (below) to aromatic coconut pumpkin soup, attend this workshop that will teach you how to whip up these flavourful concoctions from scratch.Time 3 pm to 5 pm At Urban Platter Studio, New Udyog Mandir, Bethany Co-Operative Housing Society, Mahim West. Log on to @urbanplatter.in on Instagram Cost Rs 1,500 Saturday Moksh Shah aka Cardyac in performance. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Where’s the party tonight?Music: Sway and groove to Afro house and disco tunes by DJ Dhiraaj, Moksh Shah aka Cardyac and Mogra to loosen up and de-stress this weekend. Time 8 pm onwards At McRaasta Bombay, Rohan Plaza, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to skillboxes.com Clay cups and pots from a previous pottery workshop Mould your peaceWorkshop: Unwind and relax by attending this mindful hand pottery workshop by Sarita Ganesh from Khula Aasman Trust to quieten the week’s chaos.Time 11 am onwards At Tolstoy Farm 2.0, Sakal Bhavan Road, Sector 15, CBD Belapur. Log on to @pehel.foundation on Instagram Cost Rs 799 Marathi humour for everyone Comedy: Attend Pranit More’s Bhumi Putra, a Marathi stand-up show packed with relatable anecdotes and witty observations offering a hilarious take on everyday life and society.Time 7.30 pm onwardsAt KC Gandhi School Auditorium, Agra Road, Bhanunagar, Kalyan West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 onwards Sunday A stately affairExhibition: Spend the Sunday at the ongoing Mahalaxmi Saras exhibition, organised by Umed Abhiyan which has over 500 stalls dedicated to home decor, handicrafts, kitchenware and a variety of Maharashtrian food for a wholesome day out.Time 10 am to 10 pmAt CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Sector 30, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Trek time Nature: Re-energise with this trek that will take you through the rocky terrains of Harihar Fort for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. Featuring steep steps, the trek is suitable for intermediate level trekkers.Time 12.15 am Meeting Point Kasara Railway Station Log on to trekandtrails.org Cost Rs 1,099 Queer conversationsEvent: Attend Queering Patterns, a programming event based on the ongoing exhibition titled Stain Canon, followed by performances that talk about queer experiences by artistes Priyanka Paul (below), Shripad Sinnakar, Tanvi Lehr Sonigra, and Vidur Sethi. Time 4.30 pm to 6 pm At Gallery XXL, Arsiwala Mansion, Wodehouse Road, Colaba.Log on to @xxl.gallery on InstagramCost Rs 850
19 December,2024 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaCarols for allWith Christmas just a week away, the parish choirs in Bandra are set to rock. After the carol night near Mount Mary Basilica last weekend, select choirs from the suburb will be spreading Christmas cheer with their performances at the Bandra Gymkhana.ON December 20; 6 pm onwards AT Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @thebandragymkhanaFREE Dance the night awayDo you want to spend this Christmas dancing the night away? You can, with Kimberly Van’Drine and DJ Samson aka Two Girlz And A Guitar. It’s a chance to bring alive the dance floor with your best moves this Christmas.ON December 25; 8 pm onwards AT The Catholic Gymkhana, Marine Drive. LOG ON TO @catholicgymkhanaENTRY Members: Rs 1,200 per couple, R600 per head; Guests: Rs 2,000 per couple, Rs 600 per head (ladies), Rs 1,600 per head (gents) Youthful joyThis Christmas fest is a two-day-long event packed with competitions like fashion shows, live bands, singing, and duet/group dancing. Gredel Almeida, sub-head, events, shared, “Yuva Fiesta is bringing the festive vibes with a magical Winter Wonderland theme this year. Created by the youth of Vakola, it’s a mix of fun, energy, and holiday cheer, all for a great cause — every paisa raised goes to charity. It’s where this season’s magic meets purpose.” The second day will be brought to a close with a lively DJ night.ON December 28, 8 pm onwards; December 29, 7pm onwards AT St Anthony’s Church, Vakola. LOG ON TO @yuvafiestaENTRY Rs 150 onwards Festive shop-hopAre you one of those people that have just realised that Christmas is a week away, and you have so much shopping still left to do? With a selection of homemade sweets and cakes, handmade crafts, decorations and gifts, this Christmas bazaar might just have everything you’re looking for.ON December 21 to 22; 6 pm onwards AT St Anthony Church, Malwani and Infant Jesus Chapel, Kharodi. LOG ON TO @sac.malwaniFREE Voices in the CathedralThe Wild Voices choir will be performing a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols at St Thomas Cathedral. The choir claims to have a few surprises in the mix.ON December 20; 7.30 pm onwards AT St Thomas Cathedral, Fort. LOG ON TO @wildvoiceschoirindiaFREE Christmas in the WadiCelebrate a traditional Mumbai Christmas at Khotachiwadi as residents including veteran fashion designer James Ferreira and neighbours come together to spread the festive cheer over food, caroling and a bazaar.ON December 21, 22; 11 am to 8 pm; carols at 5.30 pm (both days) AT Khotachiwadi, Girgaon. FREE Under the mistletoeMatchmaking platform, the Heart and Soul Matchmaking Service is all set to play matchmaker this Christmas with their social mixer for singles. This mixer offers you an evening to partake in meaningful conversations, laughter and who knows, there could even be a happily ever after.ON December 22; 5 pm to 8 pm AT The British Brewing Company, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @heartandsouldmatchmakingservice ENTRY Revealed on enquiry World of ChristmasFrom little kids, to gracefully ageing adults; from teenagers in love to overly concerned parents, this Christmas park has something for everyone. It’s a one-stop shop for your festive shopping, fun games, tasty treats and yes, even a snow blizzard.ON December 20 to 25; 2 pm onwards AT Jio World Drive, BKC. LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 499 onwards
19 December,2024 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheTheatremaker Bidyut Nath from Assam’s Nonoi village is busy building bamboo tents when we catch up with him for a short chat. These makeshift stage props might not be grand and fancy, but they are vital to the story he has to retell this weekend on stage. “As a child, I remember seeing these structures pop up every year around monsoon to help villagers after devastating flood water from the Kopili and Sampawati rivers swept their homes away,” he recalls. Elsewhere in Madhya Pradesh’s Chattarpur, director Swati Dubey remembers the sound of water, this time trickling into glasses, clearly marked and set aside by her mother to serve guests from the lower castes. “The practice was to first enquire about their last name. That would give away their identity. I don’t know how it is in Mumbai right now, but in many of India’s villages, the glasses are still marked,” she reveals. The crew readies the bamboo structure for the performance of Raghunath Dubey and Nath’s thirst for telling these stories to the world eventually led them to the National School of Drama, then to the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) where they both bagged accolades, and now to Mumbai, where they will perform alongside two other META award-winning plays. “Awards aren’t always markers of a play’s true value. But when I heard these stories from parts of India that don’t usually enjoy the spotlight, bringing them to Mumbai felt like the right thing to do. As a Westerner who has lived here for half a decade, I can tell that these are stories that Mumbaikars deserve to hear,” shares Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre and films, NCPA. Raghunath Nath’s play, titled Raghunath, begins where his childhood memories end. “As an adult, I often wondered what it might take to open the world’s eyes to the struggles of a village that drowns every year. Our struggles make it to the news channels every year, and fade into irrelevance a few debates later,” he shares. Taking on the titular lead role, he tells the story of a father who has lost his daughter to flawed disaster management, and his unusual idea to bring the village into limelight. For Dubey, the plot of her fictional play picks up from a familiar story as well, just not hers. A few hundred kilometres from her hometown is Behmai village in Uttar Pradesh, where ‘Bandit Queen’ Phoolan Devi killed 20 men in retaliation to caste-based oppression in 1981. “No one knows what happened to the wives of the 20 men who died that day. Our play is an exploration of their anger, sorrow, denial and subsequent realisations that help them come to terms with the truth,” she says. Swati Dubey, Bidyut Nath and Bruce Guthrie While Dubey’s Agarbatti is performed in Hindi with hints of Bundeli to ensure the audience can keep up with the poignant tale, Nath’s play is written and performed fully in Assamese with running subtitles. “When I wrote this play, I called up my old friends across Assam to put together a crew. These are amateur actors who drive e-rickshaws, run small businesses and work day jobs on other days. Naturally, Assamese is the only language they can speak,” he smiles. Leading up to D-day, the duo is already feeling the butterflies in their stomach. “It’s our first show in Mumbai. It’s all very overwhelming for us,” shares Nath. “But we must tell these stories bravely,” Dubey reminds us. “Not only to play our part in bringing about change, but also to remind the urban audience that there exists an India not far away from where they live that leads a starkly different life,” she signs off. ON December 19 to 22; 7 pm onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com ENTRY Rs 450 onwards
19 December,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
