The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative of the UNM Foundation under the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, offered an extraordinary experience to art, music, and dance enthusiasts in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The evening showcased a diverse array of artistic expressions, including a powerful musical performance, a thought-provoking musical satire theatre, and a mesmerising Kuchipudi dance, featuring talented artists from Delhi and Goa.
Musical Extravaganza by The Anirudh Varma Collective
The evening began with a dynamic performance by Delhi’s renowned band, The Anirudh Varma Collective, which captivated the audience with their unique exploration of Kabir Das’s timeless writings in a production titled Kahat Kabir. The performance featured two distinct segments: a raw rendition of Kabir’s original compositions and a fully orchestrated ensemble piece. By blending classical and folk elements with modern interpretations, the Collective delivered a thought-provoking and soulful experience that celebrated Kabir’s enduring messages.
Keatan Jadhav’s Satirical Theatre ‘IELO’
Goa-based artist Keatan Jadhav enthralled the audience with his musical satire IELO, a compelling narrative presented through mask, physical, and gestural theatre, complemented by Goan folk music. The story of the Happus dynasty’s king, who gifts a village an elephant symbolising prosperity, unfolds into chaos as the elephant wreaks havoc, forcing the villagers to confront uncomfortable truths about progress and conformity. The play skilfully combined humour and melody to deliver a sharp social commentary.
Kuchipudi Dance by Amrita Lahiri
Delhi-based Kuchipudi artist Amrita Lahiri showcased her production Ananta – Unlimited Women, which celebrated the strength, emotions, and resilience of women. Through intricate mudras and expressive storytelling, Lahiri highlighted stories of powerful female characters, delivering a message of empowerment and imagination. The performance left the audience inspired by its rich cultural heritage and compelling narratives.
Visual Arts Installations: Exploring Emotions and Nature
The event also featured visually engaging art installations that added depth to the festival’s creative repertoire.
Subhasmita Ghadei, a contemporary visual artist from Odisha, presented her installation titled Dehatita re Barsha, Basanta, Baisakha. Her work explored the multifaceted experiences of women, addressing themes of pain, struggle, and empowerment. The installation honoured Odisha’s traditions while encouraging discussions on the complexities of womanhood.
Archana Singh, a Vadodara-based artist, exhibited her piece Swing Tree. This immersive installation drew inspiration from forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), blending organic and inorganic elements into a cocoon-like structure. The piece invited viewers to engage with nature’s essence, prompting reflection on ecological relationships.
Meet Varvada, another artist from Vadodara, showcased The Vacation Home. This thought-provoking installation delved into the nuances of domestic spaces, particularly in blended families. Through a juxtaposition of visible and hidden moments, Varvada shared personal experiences, offering a poignant exploration of home as both a comforting and challenging concept.
Performance Schedule for 3rd December 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Priyank Upadhyay | Shunyavatar | Theatre – Spiritual Experiment | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Amrita Lahiri | Ananta-Unlimited Women | Dance – Kuchipudi | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Smit Bhatt | Thappo | Music – Contemporary | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Anirudh Verma Collectives | Kahat Kabir | Music – Contemporary Indian Classical | 07:15 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Dhara Vanera | The Story of Sun and Moon | Dance – Kathak | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Debapriya Das | Parikrama-A Journey Within | Dance – Belly Dancing | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Mishal R. Bhatiya | Purushartham | Music – Indie | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Devanshu Shah & Devang Nayak | Coming Soon | Theatre – Dark Humour | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Khushi Langaliya | Sangeetkarini Tana Riri | Dance – Classical Contemporary | 09:30 pm |
The sixth edition of Abhivyakti successfully brought together a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, leaving audiences spellbound and reflective. With its powerful performances and immersive art installations, the festival reinforced its reputation as a premier cultural event celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary creativity.
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