Pune this weekend: Live art with safety precautions and online performances

Virtual plays, interactive theatres and family dramas, take a look at how to entertain yourself this weekend.

The Korean Cultural Center India, based in Delhi, has organised a streaming of the play by the Seoul Arts Centre on YouTube.

Jim Hawkins, a boy who runs an inn with his family, is visited by a strange captain. After the man dies under mysterious circumstances, Jim finds a treasure map among his belongings. What happens as Jim follows the map and goes into the unknown is the subject of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island. The Korean Cultural Center India, based in Delhi, has organised a streaming of the play by the Seoul Arts Centre on YouTube.

Lifeline 99 99 is an absurd telephone line that interrogates the greed and alienation of human experiences. You, as a member of the audience, has to call a phone number, where you hear an IVRS voice that asks you certain questions and subsequently connects you to one of the five fictional experiences available. You could have a one on one conversation with a conflicted sex chat operator, an aggrieved idealist, a dude alien, a dead insurance agent or art personified. This innovative piece of interactive theatre is created by Kaivalya Plays. On March 20 and 21, 6 pm, 7 pm and 8pm. Charges: Rs 250. Book your spot here

Darwin is a story from almost 200 years ago when a young boy is drawn to science by his intense interest in the diverse animals and plants that fills his surroundings. He believes in an empirical observation of nature and infinite curiosity. Presented by IAPAR, Darwin is a chance to revisit one of the legendary figures of science who changed the way humanity views itself and the world. At The Box on March 21, 6.30 pm. Entry: Rs 200.

There is always something interesting happening in the life of Mr. Dhananjay Mane, the protagonist of the play Dhananjay Mane Ithech Rahtat. The comic family drama revolves around Mane and his wife and infuses events with solid practical teachings. At Lokshahir Annabahu Sathe Natyagruha on March 20, 5 pm; and Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha on March 21, 5 pm. Tickets: Rs 300 onward on BookMyShow.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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