ADPIX is all set to present the National Theatre Festival 2025—Bridging Cities, Untold Stories—on March 7 and 8 at the Shriram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA), Mandi House. The festival will showcase two compelling productions: Barff, directed by Saurabh Shukla, and Ek Mulaqat Manto Se, directed by Ashwath Bhatt.
The festival, managed by theatre veteran Abhra Dasgupta, aims to highlight powerful storytelling that transcends geographical and cultural barriers. “In theatre, distance is no barrier—our stories, emotions, and voices unite us beyond all borders,” says Dasgupta.
The Lineup
On March 7, the festival will open with Barff, an intense theatrical thriller set in Kashmir. Written and directed by Saurabh Shukla, the play features Shukla himself alongside Sunil Palwal and Aanchal Chauhan. Produced by Ashvin Gidwani, Barff follows Dr Kaul’s eerie encounter in a snow-covered village, where truth and belief are put to the test. With immersive stage effects, including realistic snowfall, the play promises a gripping experience.
On March 8, Ek Mulaqat Manto Se will take centre stage. Directed and performed by Ashwath Bhatt, with creative production by Maneesh Varma, the play brings Saadat Hasan Manto’s writings to life. It offers a deep dive into the mind of one of Urdu’s most controversial yet celebrated writers, exploring themes of freedom of expression, partition, and social hypocrisy. The performance integrates Manto’s iconic works such as Khol Do, Deewaroon Pe Likhna, and Main Afsana Kyun Kar Likhta Hoon.
Also Read: Sufi Heritage Festival to begin on March 8
Both performances will take place at SRCPA, with Barff scheduled for 7 PM on March 7 and Ek Mulaqat Manto Se at 7 PM on March 8. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, priced between Rs 199 and Rs 4,999 for Barff and Rs 199 to Rs 999 for Ek Mulaqat Manto Se.
With its blend of suspenseful storytelling and socially relevant narratives, the National Theatre Festival 2025 promises a memorable experience for theatre enthusiasts in Delhi.
