THE BACKDROP 

Aarambh Mumbai is a Mumbai-based theatre group that showcases original stories rooted in contemporary India. Over the last 14-years, the group has built a repertoire of productions known for their music with a distinctive approach that blends text with music and dance. With a classical and exotic ethos, Aarambh Mumbai's tales are deeply Indian, resonating with audiences both locally and internationally.

Our play BANDISH opened in 2017 and was commissioned by AADYAM - An Aditya Birla Initiative. Over the last 7 years, we have travelled to every major Indian Theatre Festival and received fantastic reviews.  The iconic Prithvi Theatre is like a second home to us where we have performed umpteen times. And just last month, we also happened to premiere at the prestigious NMACC.

Our play involves a team of 16 artists and we could not get more excited when we received an invitation to participate in the WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL 2024 happening in Karachi where 250+ artists from 35+ countries shall come together to perform in more than 100 performances over a span of 40 days.

Organised by ARTS COUNCIL PAKISTAN - KARACHI, we feel incredibly honoured to have received the invitation to be part of something happening on such a grand scale. Travelling to this festival shall allow us an opportunity to not only meet artists and performers from across the world but also help strengthen a bond of friendship and trust with our neighbours and long lost brethren of Pakistan.

The festival is not supporting any group’s travel to the venue. Hence, we are reaching out to you to make our travel possible. Your contribution shall go a long way in strengthening the bond of artists beyond borders and strengthening the purpose of art towards initiating acts of peace and harmony between the two countries.

SYNOPSIS OF BANDISH

In a green room 4 artists come face to face with each other. Two are yesteryear divas and the other two are young heartthrobs of the nation. They are all set to participate in an event celebrating 75 years of Independence in a small town in India.

Soon a crisis begins to emerge before the event. The male heartthrob of the play who is supposed to sing gets into a bind because of SOCIAL MEDIA trolling. The Second crisis emerges when there is a power failure at the venue. The third crisis emerges when one of the characters (who is the next option to perform and sing at this event) - a character by the name Beni Bai refuses to sing at this event. With all artists rendered voiceless, will the nation’s Independence Day go without a single song?

Watch this trailer to get a glimpse of the play.

ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN AND WHAT WE NEED

TO TAKE PART IN THE WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL THE TEAM OF 16 WILL NEED TO TRAVEL TO DELHI FOR VISAS AND TO KARACHI VIA AMRITSAR AND LAHORE.

THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE SAME IS INR 14.61L. THROUGH THIS CAMPAIGN, OUR TEAM AIMS TO RAISE THIS AMOUNT TO BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE OUR TALENT.

With your support, we can make this dream a reality.

SNIPPETS FROM OUR PERFORMANCES 

Aarambh’s plays have been featured at every major Indian theater festival and have also been showcased abroad. The group's work has garnered recognition from esteemed theater patrons and has been supported by prestigious grants. 

Our leaders Purva Naresh and Asmit Pathare have been invited to several international theater festivals as writer and light designer-filmmaker respectively, gaining extensive experience and exposure to global practices.

EXPENSE BREAK-UP 

Your contribution would make a huge difference in helping us perform for an international audience.

ABOUT ME

My name is Purva Naresh. 

I wrote a line in this play that resonates with all of us every time we see institutions of art being co-opted by divisive or authoritarian forces - 'Kalakar ka kaam hain daayein-baayein se nikal kar manch par jaa ke apna kaam kar aaye...' (An artist's job is to somehow make it to the stage and do their job despite all odds.)  

While the play talks about how artists over centuries have resisted authoritarian interferences in the form of bans, I feel there is no other country that could resonate with what her artists have gone through owing to regular and constant objections from the authorities.   

As sailors of the same boat or let's say belonging to the same wood that the boat is made of, I look forward to this opportunity to connect with those on the other side of the border whose voices have always challenged authority and suppression. This trip for us means an effort towards joining hands in empathising with each other. To make this vision a reality, I'm seeking support to help raise funds for our upcoming performance.

OUR TEAM

This theater team is a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who share a love for the art of theater. They are a diverse group of actors, directors, writers, and designers who bring their unique skills and perspectives to the productions they create. 

With a focus on creating meaningful and engaging theater experiences, this team strives to push the boundaries of traditional theater and experiment with new forms and styles. They believe that theater has the power to inspire, educate & entertain and are committed to creating productions that challenge and provoke their audiences.

IN THE NEWS 

GLIMPSES OF PAST PERFORMANCES