Pune's Naatak Express Theatre Event: 12 Plays Created in Just 24 Hours
In the world of theatre, no two performances are ever identical. Even the most meticulously rehearsed plays undergo subtle improvisations, adjustments, and creative tweaks. However, an extraordinary event in Pune is pushing this concept to its limits. At the upcoming Naatak Express, playwrights, directors, and actors will have a mere 24 hours to conceive, rehearse, and present a complete theatrical production.
The High-Stakes Challenge of Naatak Express
Esteemed artists including Annie Zaidi, Mukta Bam, Rahul Rai, Meghna Roy Chowdhury, Pradeep Vaidya, and Shaili Sathyu are among those embracing this intense creative challenge. The event, now in its second edition, originated as a culminating project for Bhasha Centre's Think Big, Think Small program. It has evolved into a vibrant community-building initiative that unites theatre enthusiasts across linguistic and artistic boundaries.
The format is both simple and daunting: twelve distinct plays will be staged by twelve playwrights, twelve directors, and sixty performers across three languages—Hindi, English, and Marathi. The critical twist? All teams receive their thematic topics just one day before the performance, and many collaborators will be working together for the very first time.
"It's fundamentally a collaborative effort," explains Laya Kumar, one of the event's producers. "The playwrights and directors are carefully selected by our production team, while we conducted an open call for actor applications to ensure diverse participation."
Building Community Through Creative Fundraising
Although this marks Naatak Express's second year, for Pune's theatre community, it represents an unprecedented gathering. Spearheading the initiative are three dynamic young producers: Vaishnavi RP from Nagpur, Laya Kumar from Coimbatore, and Phalguni Vittal Rao from Mangalore. Their shared vision emphasizes the profound value of storytelling and collective artistic belonging.
"Our core philosophy revolves around establishing a fresh network of artists who unite to support and strengthen the theatre community," states Vaishnavi RP. "This event serves as a fundraiser to bolster the vital work of independent arts organizations. We aim to demonstrate to both participants and audiences that theatre is not solely about performers. A dedicated behind-the-scenes army—including technicians, logistical support teams, and numerous other contributors—makes every production possible."
Phalguni Vittal Rao emphasizes the non-profit nature of Naatak Express. "Beyond providing valuable exposure, particularly for amateur artists, our goal is to promote the enduring values and expansive reach of theatre," she shares. "All proceeds will directly benefit the Changbhala Foundation, which champions socially committed theatre by working with women and children, using performance to explore and uphold constitutional values."
The Creative Minds Behind the 24-Hour Plays
The event features an impressive roster of directors and playwrights who will navigate the intense time constraints. The directing team includes:
- Megha Patil
- Kalpesh Samel
- Sapan Saran
- Satish Manwar
- Meghna Roy Chowdhury
- Pradeep Vaidya
- Sanket Parkhe
- Zameer Kamble
- Niranjan Pedanekar
- Shaili Sathyu
- Aditi Venkateshwaran
- Nidhi Krishna
The playwrights tasked with crafting scripts under extreme pressure are:
- Mitali Joshi
- Himanshu Smart
- Mukta Milind Bam
- Sainath Ganuwad
- Anukriti Mishra
- Chanakya Vyas
- Vanya Singh
- Rahul Rai
- Annie Zaidi
- Akash Mohimen
- Hina Siddiqui
- Sahil Minhas
This innovative event not only tests artistic limits but also fosters meaningful connections within Pune's cultural landscape, proving that under pressure, creativity can flourish in remarkable ways.
