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From a rare experience to now a regular activity, these are good times for theatre lovers, who are not only viewing regular staging of plays, but complete theatre festivals which bring in groups from all over the country.

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This month will see absorbing theatre activity with both local 038; national groups on centrestage

From a rare experience to now a regular activity, these are good times for theatre lovers, who are not only viewing regular staging of plays, but complete theatre festivals which bring in groups from all over the country. With the recent National Theatre Festival being a super-hit with audience, the stage is now set for the fourth Theatre for Theatre TFT Winter National Theatre Fest from December 7 to 13 and you can look forward to plays from directors like Usha Ganguly, Probir Guha, Alakhnandan8230; Sudesh Sharma, the 8216;leading man8217; of TFT is elated with the fact that there8217;s now serious theatre activity in the city, which is also receiving a super response. 8220;When we began staging Court Martial in 8216;99 and did umpteen shows day after day of the same play to revive theatre and get people back to the world of plays. From local productions to now national and international groups looking forward to performing here, Sudesh agrees days of drama are back in action, and how! The Winter National Theatre Festival is in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations, NZCC Patiala and Chandigarh Administration and Sudesh says they wanted local theatre groups to interact with good directors with different sensibilities. Experimental, realistic, contemporary and traditional themes will be explored in plays like Ganguly8217;s Antaryatra, Sudesh Sharma8217;s Aadhi Raat Ke Baad, Guha8217;s Amma, Alakhnanadan8217;s Chaarpai8230;at Tagore Theatre. 8220;Local theatre groups will be totally involved in on and off-stage activities. 8220;An interaction programme at the end of the festival will give everyone an opportunity to discuss individual theatre experiences,8217;8217; adds Sharma.

Discovering a brand-new genre of theatre is Sahib Singh, who is staging Ravinder Ravi8217;s Man Dehin Soulmate on December 3 at Government College, Sector 46. Written in verse form, presenting dialogues in poetry, yet not making it seem like a poetry recital but a play, was a challenge Singh enjoyed. Dance, music, special light effects, sets, elaborate choreography, Sahib says the play which deal with the theme of relationships getting lost in this race for materialistic pursuits is a unique experiment and he8217;s looking forward to more shows . Play on8230;

Curated For You

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

 

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