Indians have always been fans of music and dance and drama. Right from the times when the subcontinent was ruled by rajas and maharajas to the British colonization to the 21st century, the performing arts have found patrons who have made it possible for theatre to flourish. Over the years, these patron saints of drama, have organized and sponsored theatre and film festivals to ensure that Indian drama theatre scene remains ever expanding and continues evolving. We bring to you a list of all the theatre festivals across India that are not just celebrating it but introducing hundreds and thousands to this theatre culture.
1. International Theatre Festival of Kerala: The International Theatre Festival of Kerala began in 2008 and since then, has been successfully commemorating and fostering not just mainstream but also the folk and traditional forms of theatre that India boasts of. Held over eight days with much show and pomp, this international festival has put India on the global list of the best theatre festivals that any theatre lover should experience.
2. Going Solo: Solo form of theatre has recently started gaining a lot of traction in India and the Going Solo theatre festival truly celebrates that. This theatre fest is also India’s only International Solo Theatre festival. Since solo productions are still viewed with a certain apprehension, the Going Solo fest whose only purpose is to provide respect to the solo theatre also encourages budding thespians to try it out.
3. Prithvi Theatre Festival: Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai is already flocked by lovers of the performing arts. So, a theatre festival seems very obvious, even more so when you factor in that it’s named after Prithviraj Kapoor, a pioneer of the Indian film industry and theatre. The festival starts in early November and can go on for a week or even a month.