The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta family’s Torrent Group, continues to enchant audiences on Day 7, in Ahmedabad. The 15-day cultural festival, which offers free entry, features a diverse array of performances and art installations, celebrating creativity and innovation while drawing large crowds daily.
Wednesday’s programme opened with a dark comedy performance, The Carnival of Death, by Ujjain-based theatre artist Ivan Khan. This absurdist play delved into existential themes, addressing the post-COVID era’s crises, including wars, deforestation, and climate change. Khan’s satirical exploration of these issues struck a chord with audiences, combining humour and profundity.
The evening transitioned into music with Munaf Luhar’s Ishq ke Saat Maqam, an Indi-contemporary production exploring the seven stages of love. Interweaving poetry, storytelling, and music, the performance traversed genres ranging from acoustic and ghazals to rock and Sufi, creating a rich emotional journey.
Concluding the evening, Rucha Anjaria presented Anubhuti, a musical exploration inspired by the Sanskrit concept of inner experience. Highlighting the interconnectedness of the human body, music, and the Panchbhut (five elements of the universe), Anjaria combined singing, instrumental music and movement to evoke deep spiritual and emotional responses. Her performance drew upon traditional ragas and expressive gestures, encapsulating the holistic essence of music.
The festival’s visual arts segment is equally compelling, featuring thought-provoking installations by artists from across India.
Sai Jagadeesh Guttula’s Tides of Turmoil captures the emotional turbulence of seamen through a striking sculpture of a washing machine shattered by a stone. The release of water and flowers from the machine symbolises the unpredictability and resilience of life at sea, inviting audiences to reflect on the seafarers’ journey.
Bengaluru-based artist Dushyantha H.P. explores themes of memory and displacement with Displacement. His intricately detailed drawings of submerged homes—reconstructed from family memories—highlight the emotional toll of development on displaced communities. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of progress.
Mumbai-based artist Sukanya Nijasure presents Echoes of Transformation, inspired by broken leaves she encounters in nature. Through semi-realistic depictions of cats and crows, Nijasure reflects her personal battles with depression and anxiety. Her work conveys a powerful message of resilience, encouraging viewers to find beauty and meaning in life’s imperfections.
Performance Schedule for 28th November 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Kadam Parikh | Kathak Aakhyan- Abhimanyu Parv | Dance – Kathak | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Aman Raithata | MeghShyam | Music – Indo- Western Classical Fusion | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Ravi Ughrejiya | Ajab Nyay Tamaro, Gajab Nyay Tamaro | Theatre – Satire | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Khushi Langaliya | Sangeetkarini Tana Riri | Dance – Classical Contemporary | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Ajaaz Shaikh | HOW THIS, HOW THAT!!! | Theatre – Clowning | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Tarak Patel | Urban Drums | Dance – Afro Dance | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Neelkantan I. Krishnan | Swayam – The Voice within | Music – Carnatic Fusion | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Karthik | The Wolf Man | Theatre – Fantasy Drama | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Dhara Rughani | Dhaag Samvad | Dance – Contemporary & its sub forms | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Chetan Daiya | Welcome Bhurabhai | Theatre – Humour | 09:30 pm |
Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project continues to establish itself as a vital platform for artists and performers to share their craft with the community. The festival’s innovative blend of performing and visual arts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with diverse cultural narratives, making it a must-visit event in Ahmedabad’s cultural calendar.
Also Read: Day 6 Of Abhivyakti Edition 6 Saw Overwhelming Crowd With Spectacular Performance
