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Journalism of Courage
It is a befitting tribute to one of the most loved and known political and social satirists of the country, Jaspal Bhatti, who passed away in October 2012. In a unique effort, the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi has dedicated a humour festival to the loving memory of Bhatti, who tackled serious and socially relevant issues concerning the common man, in a manner that made us all laugh out loud, but without diluting the essence of the concern. ‘Ulta Pulta – Chandigarh Humour Festival’ has a representation from various genres, with humour being an integral part of every act. From magic to clowning, stand-up comedy to physical comedy, Commedia Dell’Arte, poetry to theatre, the festival brings on stage the best from across the country. According to G S Chani, the festival also provides an opportunity to understand humour in different genres through workshops by nationally and internationally renowned practitioners of these art forms.
The curtains go up on May 21 with ‘Comedy Magic’ by Manas Tayal (Magic Manas), an internationally renowned magician who blends magic and comedy in a unique and entertaining way to not only amaze but to create a memorable show. Manas has been performing all over the world and has worked with many famous comedians and performers. This will be followed by ‘Madbeth’, a roller-coaster ride in the world created by Beth and Banquo. The Tragedy of Madbeth is an interactive physical comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s classic and a profound allegory that dissolves the space between the observer and the performer. The performance is a combination of slapstick, acrobatics, mime, songs and improvisations. A devised theatre piece written and performed by Rupesh Tillu of Theatre Act, Mumbai, it has been played for a wide range of audience in Europe, Israel, West Bank and India. Poetry lovers can look forward to an interactive talk with Dr Saif Mahmood (May 22), who will be speaking on the humour in Urdu poetry. Watch ‘Tale of Two Treaties’, where Deepal Doshi ‘wears’ 10 different masks in a 70-minute performance. In this show, directed by Kathryn Doshi, the actor transports the audience into the crazy world of commedia, where greed rules the lives of its characters.
A play for both parents and children, ‘The Clowns’ (English and Gibberish) by Theatre Act, Mumbai, is an experimental, interactive, physical comedy and promises a rib-tickling experience. In the world of modernisation and development, somewhere Clown Popo and The Frog King have lost their homes. They are left alone, with the only choice to accept the urban life.
The festival ends with a bang with ‘Saanu Kee: A Punjabi Stand Up Comedy’ by Maheep Singh and Amit Tandon from New Delhi. It is a Punjabi comedy show where through sketches, the performers talk about challenges of being a Punjabi, growing up in an urban environment and clearing misconceptions about Punjabis.
The second part of the evening will see staging of ‘Khusar Phusar’, the Hindi adaptation of Neil Simon’s Rumors, by Atelier Theatre, Delhi. Designed and directed by Kuljeet Singh, the play has many comic
complications.
The festival will be held till May 24 at Tagore Theatre.
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