Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival 2023: A Theatrical Extravaganza in Hyderabad’s Historic Venues
The 18th edition of the renowned Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival is all set to captivate audiences in Hyderabad once again. Scheduled to run from October 5th to 9th, 2023, this flagship theatre festival of Telangana promises to be a grand celebration of the performing arts.
A Legacy of Excellence
For the past 18 years, the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival has consistently delivered exceptional theatrical experiences. This annual event has become synonymous with outstanding performances, offering a diverse range of theater genres, from classical to contemporary, and from puppetry to dance and circus theater. It has been a source of inspiration for both established artists and emerging talents, making it a significant cultural milestone in the region.
Iconic Venues
Hyderabad, known for its rich history and architectural marvels, provides the perfect backdrop for this festival. The festival has graced iconic venues like the Salar Jung Museum and Taramati Baradari, and even historical landmarks like Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmohalla Palace, and Moazzam Jahi Market have witnessed its splendid performances.
A Melting Pot of Talent
The festival has hosted a diverse array of artists and luminaries over the years. Esteemed theater personalities such as Habib Tanvir, Usha Ganguli, Tom Alter, Surekha Sikri, and Jalabala Vaidya have graced its stages, making their mark in the hearts of theater enthusiasts. It has also been a platform for celebrated actors like Alyque Padamsee, Pankaj Kapur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda to return to their theatrical roots. The annual tribute to Hyderabad’s theater doyen, Qadir Ali Baig, has drawn the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Anupam Kher, adding to the festival’s allure.
Global Flavors and Artistry
One of the festival’s unique attributes is its international dimension. It has welcomed theater troupes and artists from around the world, including France’s revered Footsbarn Theatre, Phillippe Priasso’s physical theater company from Germany, and Argentinean Anahi Martella. Their performances have added a global flair to the festival, enriching the cultural exchange.
Education and Enrichment
The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival not only entertains but educates. It features master classes led by luminaries and workshops conducted by experts in various theater disciplines. These opportunities for learning and growth have played an integral role in nurturing the talent pool of the Indian theater scene.
A Festival of Resilience
Even in the face of adversity during the pandemic, the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival stood strong. It continued to bring live theater to audiences, implementing rigorous safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all participants.
A Tribute and a Curator’s Vision
The festival is curated by Padma Shri recipient Mohammad Ali Baig as a heartfelt tribute to his legendary father, theater doyen Qadir Ali Baig. It carries forward the legacy of artistic excellence that the festival is known for.
What to Expect in 2023 – Events in Hyderabad
The 2023 edition of the festival promises to be another unforgettable experience. With plays featuring the writings of luminaries like Ismat Chughtai and German playwright Sibylle Berg, the festival will explore themes ranging from human relationships and dissent to chapters from the Ramayana, greed, and a deep love for acting. Eminent artists like Anjan Srivastav, Masood Akhtar, Mita Vasisht, Sunil Shanbag, Ayesha Raza, Anubha Fatehpuria, Dr. Dalavai Kullayappa, and more will grace the stages, representing cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Anantapur. The festival’s genres will span traditional puppet theater, adaptations, biography, poetry, dance, satire, and more. Attendees can also benefit from free master classes by luminaries such as Mohammad Ali Baig, Anjan Srivastav, and Sunil Shanbag, covering topics like theater management and the Indian method of acting.
Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival 2023 is presented in partnership with Telangana Tourism, Salar Jung Museum, Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad, and is headlined by the APARNA group, showcasing the power of collaboration in the world of arts.
