Revisiting Ghalib’s stories live on stage

In an experiment in storytelling in Delhi, Takhleeq will be organizing a dramatic reading of original stories inspired by Mirza Ghalib’s ghazals titled ‘Ghalib ki kahaniya’. The show, which is beautifully woven within music and poetry, was originally conceived as a podcast to explore Ghalib’s timeless poetry through a narrative lens. 

With theatre spaces re-opening, the show has been transformed into a play for the live audience. It will begin with intimate black box spaces, because that is where these performances—the storytelling and the music—will truly work their magic. 

The show gives a lot more flexibility to experiment with lights, sets, and other visual and spatial aspects of the performance as compared to a podcast, which is restricted to audio. Therefore, even for those who have already listened to the podcast, it would be a new and unique experience. The cast and crew too are excited to perform in the new format.

The show will comprise three stories from Ghalib’s literary work, along with  a dramatic reading of original stories inspired by Mirza Ghalib’s ghazals. The three stories are:

Batwara: A Story of Two Lovers Captured and Destroyed by the Madness of the Partition

Madhu: A Story of Unrequited Love, told from an unconventional place, Kotha (brothel), where love isn’t expected to be found.

Bhai: A man reads his brother’s suicide note, and he wonders if he could’ve done anything, but everything goes in vain as he’s only left with regret.

Anindya Kalra, who believes in  creating a space for artists to build a society for expression, has directed the stories for the play..  The characters are going to be portrayed by the talented Amit, Wasim, Sukriti, and Talib.

Venue: TOT Studio, C-110, Dayanand Colony, Lajpat Nagar, 110024
Date: 11 September
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm and  7 pm to 8 pm
Tickets: Rs 150/-