In 2023, theatremaker and actor Harshad Tambe took a group of Adivasi youth to Juhu’s premier Prithvi Theatre to watch the play, Ghost of The Mountains by Gillo Repertory. The story was familiar; of human-leopard conflict. “Yet, the group felt out of place in the swanky, urban venue. They struggle with an inferiority complex in their own city,” he sighs.
Harshad Tambe
Tambe, an active member of the Save Aarey movement, is now working hand-in-hand with the padas (hamlets) of Aarey to present the first Tarpa Theatre Festival. “I want the padas to watch modern theatre, and urban theatre practitioners to look beyond four walls and experience Aarey’s ecosystem that is under threat,” he reveals.
ON May 15, 16, and 17; 8 am to 8 pm
AT Unit 5, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East.
LOG ON TO @tarpatheatrefestival
ENTRY Rs 499
Where’s the stage?
» Under the trees: Plays will unfold under the shade of age-old trees set across the Unit 5 area. Some of the trees, Tambe says, are more than 80 years old.
» Amphitheatre: An open air stage at the amphitheatre is being revamped by the organisers. Old residents of the nearby Vanichapada hamlet reminisce about attending weddings at the venue in their childhood, before it became a hotspot for budding artistes.
The Guide’s top picks
Kavan
Maharashtrian folk protest poetry will come alive in this poignant musical by Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch that presents Ambedkarite poetry and songs.
ON May 15; 6 pm
Tottochan
This Parna Pethe-starrer adds a Marathi spin to the renowned Japanese memoir, Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window, by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
ON 16 May; 11 am
Pics Courtesy/Artistes’ Instagram
Lavani ke Rang
Explore the lesser known world of traditional Lavani dancers through Bhushan Korgaonkar’s critically acclaimed production, Lavani ke Rang.
ON May 16; 6 pm
Gubu Gubu
A greedy landlord and an honest farmer meet in Gillo Repertory’s tale told through the age-old Nandiwala tradition.
ON May 17; 12 pm
Giving back to Aarey
»After a meeting with the tribals, nearly 12 talented youth joined departments such as logistics, production, social media, and finances. The founder reveals that the team will continue scouting and training new talent throughout the year to up-skill them.
» Pragati Shingde, who calls herself a proud ‘tribal girl’, operates all social media activities for the festival.
Manisha Dhinde harvests wild bottle gourd in Aarey
» Manisha Dhinde is part of the management and décor teams. As a sustainable practice, bamboo and grass are being used to create backdrops for performances. Dhinde also plans to host a food stall showcasing indigenous food at the festival.
