The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, captivated audiences on Thursday with a diverse range of performances and installations. The event not only entertained but also inspired visitors with its rich artistic and cultural offerings.
Performances Steal the Spotlight
Among the highlights was a satirical theatre performance critiquing the legal system. With wit and humour, the play dissected the complexities and absurdities of judicial proceedings, delivering a sharp commentary that resonated with the audience. Adding a touch of hilarity was a clowning act that explored society’s obsession with perfection. The performers, through playful antics, shed light on the comedic consequences of striving for an ideal image, leaving viewers both amused and reflective.
The evening also featured musical and dance performances, ensuring the audience remained engaged and entertained throughout.
Shadow Puppetry Workshop
As part of the event, a three-day theatre workshop led by Chennai-based storyteller and puppeteer Karthik concluded on Thursday. Focused on shadow puppetry, the workshop attracted 28 participants, including children aged seven and above, offering hands-on experience in creating stories from personal experiences. Attendees learned about voice modulation, body language, theatre movements, and crafting stick puppets. They were also taught to use everyday household items to screen shadow puppet shows.
Theatrical Highlights
Ravi Ughrejiya presented Ajab Nyay Tamaro, Gajab Nyay Tamaro, a satirical play inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s The Exception and The Rule. Set in Kutch, the story depicted the harsh realities of a businessman exploiting his labourers in the search for oil. The play humorously highlighted systemic inequalities, portraying the labourers’ failed quest for justice against the backdrop of money and power.
In another theatrical highlight, Ajaaz Shaikh and his team performed How This, How That, a clowning act exploring individuality in a society obsessed with perfection. The performance followed three clowns struggling to navigate a world of unrealistic standards, creating a chaotic yet satirical adventure that kept the audience in splits.
Visual Art Installations
The visual arts segment of Abhivyakti offered compelling installations from renowned artists across India.
- Rumki Bhaumik from Tripura presented A Dream City Around Me, a collection of miniature houses reflecting human aspirations for an ideal home. Each piece invited viewers to ponder the narratives behind these imaginative dwellings, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
- Vishal Kumar Gupta from Jharkhand showcased Fragment as Landscape or Body! and Fragment as Strange Creature, art pieces inspired by fragmented tree parts. Through photography, video, and large-scale graphite and oil paintings, Gupta delved into themes of cruelty and chaos, juxtaposing natural and man-made elements to evoke contemplation on beauty and decay.
- Raghubir Sinha from Assam exhibited Aapang: The Clever Survivor, an immersive exploration of Manipuri folklore. Blending photography, filmmaking, and digital art, Sinha’s stop-motion films invited viewers to journey through the lens of Aapang, a resourceful character navigating hidden challenges in everyday life.
Performance Schedule for 29th November 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Rajoo Barot | Rang Bhoomi Na Sadabahar Geeto | Music – Traditional Folk | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Ivan Khan | The Carnival of Death | Theatre – Dark Comedy and Absurd | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Devanshu Shah & Devang Nayak | Coming Soon | Theatre – Dark Humour | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Srilakshmi | I am a Disco Dancer | Dance – Waacking | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Tarini Tripathi & Shalmali Zankar | Alokik | Dance – Kathak | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Mehul Prajapati | Sangeetyatra (Swar) | Music – Indian Classical | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Saumya Joshi | Oh!!! Womaniya | Theatre | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Hiral Balsara | The Untold | Dance – Bharatnatyam & Aerial Dance | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Arif Mir | Gol Chashma | Music – Folk Fusion | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Rakesh Wani | Anant Lay | Music – Rythm Fusion | 09:30 pm |
Abhivyakti continues to stand as a vibrant platform for artistic expression, sparking conversations and connections among art lovers. By blending performance, education, and visual arts, the event underscored the transformative power of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on its audience.
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