Events of the week

Krishna in Dastaan 

What: Perhaps the first ever Urdu play on the life and times of Lord Krishna, Hazrat-e-Krishna is Pierrot’s Troupe’s latest production. The play is performed in Dastaangoi format, by not one but a host of artists. The most unique feature of the play is the portrayal of Old Krishna – arguably for the first time — reflecting upon his life, thoughts and deeds from his deathbed. In the process, the play re-records more than 100 years of the social, spiritual, cultural and political life of ancient India, marked specially for the Mahabharata. As a Dastaangoi too, it offers a welcome break from the routine. It is directed by M Sayeed Alam and Danish Iqbal — the former is reputed for his historical and humorous plays, while the latter has written and directed many Dastaangoi performances in the recent past.

When: August 25 (5 pm)

Where: Shri Ram Centre, Mandi House

Sacred foliage

What: Known to possess the inherent ability to magically transform simple subjects like the trees to a sacred being, the works of several Gond artists are in display at the exhibition titled ‘Message from the Trees’. Presented by Ojas Art Gallery, this exhibition of paintings relates to trees that discuss age-old Gond tribal legends and celebrate some of their mythological beliefs from the past. The artists are all strongly connected to the trees, making themselves in a way a messenger for the trees. The artworks sensitise the viewers to the environment around them and presses on the need to respect the importance of trees. This is evident from the elaborate, detailed depiction of trees that are symbolic of the messages or stories that their work unfolds.

When: August 2 – September 1 (11 am -7 pm)

Where: Ojas Art@1AQ, Near Qutab Minar

Soulful ghazals

What: “Aaj Jaane ki Zid Na Karo – Romancing the Ghazal” features singer Vidya Shah who teams up with popular radio personality Sayema Rahman and brings to you romantic and celebrated ghazals of all time with interesting anecdotes and trivia about the songs and the artistes. From ‘Aaj jaane ki zid na karo’ to ‘Ranjish hi sahi’, laced with couplets, poetry and songs, the evening promises to be a perfect setting of love and romance as Vidya and Sayema take you into the vivid world of exquisite Urdu ghazals.

When: August 10 (7 pm)

Where: The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre