It’s that time of year when the city is abuzz with cultural festivals. This week, there is a selection of offerings for film buffs, classical dance enthusiasts and theatre lovers. From experimental films and classical dance performances to new plays, here’s a look at what to expect.
Max Mueller Bhavan
Filmmaker Shai Heredia hosts Experimenta 2017, the 10th International Festival of Moving Image Art in India. Founded by Shai in 2003, it has now evolved into one of the most acclaimed independent experimental film festivals in the world.
This year, for the 10th edition, the team presents a selection of films that are rarely screened. “The film, Memoria E Massacre (1979) by Ruy Guerra, is the first film ever made in Mozambique. It is a documentary that captures political drama. We are happy to screen it at the festival,” says Shai. From among the Indian films, Uday Shankar’s iconic 1948 film Kalpana, that was recently restored by Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project, will be screened. Kalpana is a landmark film in Indian cinema because it was shot as a dance ballet with some fantastical scenes.
A special screening of the epic experimental feature, ORG by Argentinian filmmaker Fernando Birri, is one of the highlights. “This film took 10 years to make. We are screening a restored version of the three-hour-long film,” says Shai. The film is about the director’s experience of exile in Italy. The other highlight is the artiste profile section where some of the most seasoned filmmakers such as Kidlat Tahimik and Rox Lee will be in conversation. “Pretty much all the films are critiquing and questioning all that is happening in the world, be it historical periods or current geopolitics,” says Shai.
November 28-December 3. At Max Mueller Bhavan, Indira Nagar. Details: experimenta.in
Ranga Shankara
Mumbai-based theatre troupe QTP and Co-Motion, Ireland stage new plays in Bengaluru, The Dublinner’s Dilemma, The Big Fellow and Diary of a Mad Man. The Dublinner’s Dilemma, is about the dilemma of publisher, Grant Richards, who rejects James Joyce’s Dubliners, thinking it would breach strict obscenity laws. Sharing his thoughts on the play, Declan Gorman, playwright and actor, says, “James Joyce’s writings remain fresh,
not only because of the literary cleverness, but because he writes with remarkable perception and incisive humour.”The Big Fellow is a sketch about Ireland’s greatest freedom fighter, Michael Collins, while Diary of a Mad Man Diary of a Madman is considered as Nikolai Gogol’s best work. It is the story of a low rank civil servant.
November 25-26. At Ranga Shankara, 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Tickets (Rs 249) on bookmyshow.com
ADA Rangamandira
In its 18th edition, one of Bengaluru’s most popular dance festivals, Kala Nadam, brings some of the most eminent artistes from across India. This year, Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar, Tribhuwan Maharaj, grandson of Padmavibhushan Shri Birju Maharaj and Radhika Shetty are among the well-known names who will be performing. “The other highlight is a Latin-American dance performance by Los Compadres (a 12-member troupe from Panama),”explains Nandini Mehta, founder, Nadam. Los Compadres is a group of traditional dancers who perform Tamborito, a folkloric, rhythmic dance from Panama.
Among other performances, Chennai’s Avigna Dance Ensemble’s presentation is a must-watch. The innovative choreography, by artistic director G Narendra, blends classical dance with a modern approach, without deviating from the basics of the classical art form. Part of the funds raised through this event will be donated to the Child Rights Trust in Bengaluru that is supporting libraries for children around the city in rural areas.
Entry free. November 24-26. At ADA Rangamandira, JC Road. Details: 22219388
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