The India Habitat Centre (IHC) Theatre Festival, set to commence on September 19, will present 14 compelling plays that delve into pressing themes such as gender, caste, social discrimination, mental health, and environmental challenges. Held at the IHC in New Delhi, the festival promises a dynamic showcase of contemporary Indian theatre, running until September 28.

The festival opens with Amitesh Grover’s Mehroon, written by Sarah Mariam, a musical narrative exploring a grieving woman’s blurred lines between reality and dreams. Vidyun Singh, IHC’s creative head, emphasized the festival’s bold vision, stating, “It showcases young, confident practitioners pushing boundaries, fearlessly engaging with issues like violence, unemployment, and climate change.”

Highlights include Kadambari by Meghna Roy Choudhury, which portrays Rabindranath Tagore’s muse and sister-in-law, and Saanp Seedhi, inspired by Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth, examining male ego and desire. Khichik, written by Shiv Subrahmanyam and directed by Divya Jagdale, offers a tender depiction of a couple’s decades-long marriage, while Jyoti Dogra’s Mezok probes the nature of desire. The folk-style musical Naam Mein Ka Rakhwo Hai by Niketa Saraf and Saurabh Nayyar navigates love through riddles and lies.

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Other notable plays include Dagad Aani Mati, Besharam Aadmi, Kela Jamunwali, Garam Roti, Aunty Moxie is Delulu, Lifafiya, and Nazar Ke Saamne, the latter amplifying voices of women from Madhya Pradesh confronting caste discrimination. The festival concludes with 305 Galli Mantola, written by Vibhu Puri and directed by Faisal Rashid, offering a poignant finale.

This vibrant lineup underscores the festival’s commitment to storytelling that challenges stereotypes and fosters dialogue on critical social issues.

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