The Best of Indian Theatre to be staged at the 11th Edition of META

New Delhi: With spring around the corner, it is that time of the year when theatre lovers are offered the best of Indian Theatre. India’s only national awards dedicated solely to theater, the 11th Edition of ‘Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards’ (META) – brings together the best productions from across the country in a festival that highlights the intrinsic diversity and rich cultural traditions of India.

Over 300 entries were viewed by a selection committee, comprising theatre stalwarts Vinod Nagpal, a renowned Indian film and television actor; Prof. Chandradasan, Founder and Artistic Director of Lokadharmi Centre for Theatre; Baharul Islam, noted Assamese Director-Actor and Artistic Director at Seagull Theatre; Surendranath Suri Director at Rangashakra Bangalore and eminent theatre critic Diwan Singh Bajeli. The selection committee nominated 10 plays for this years’ festival.

Commenting on the increasing popularity of the annual event, Mr.Jay Shah, Head, Cultural Outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The Mahindra Group is proud to present the 11th season of META. This year’s selection of plays from various parts of our nation strengthens our belief that “Make in India” is true and alive in the Arts as well. A plethora of languages, ideas and cultures will be on display this March and we urge the audiences to come and partake in this wonderful festival and to especially show their support for regional theatre.”

The nominated productions across 8 languages will be staged at the FICCI and LTG auditoriums in Delhi from March 6th till March 10th, 2016. The META 2016 Jury and the full schedule for the META 2016 Festival will be announced soon.

The 10 plays nominated for META 2016 are:

Play Akshayambara, Mein Hun Yusuf AurYeh Hai Mera Bhai and After Death – A Spiritual Journey received 8 nominations each, followed byAgnes of God which got 7 nominations, Haoai (The Eleventh Planet) received 6 nominations, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, 07/07/07, Balcony &Kuhaimaravasigal (Cave Tree Dwellers) each received 5 nominations and A Friend’s Story elicited 4 nominations from the Selection Committee.

META 2016 productions focus on an array of subjects including displacement, revolution, faith and spirituality, mental health, rape, crimes against women, bisexuality, prostitution and love in conflict zones. The art forms presented in these productions are as diverse as their themes and include the dance drama form of Yakshagana, the rituals of the Indian Bhil tribe, play-within-a-play scenarios, spatial experimentation and audio-visual narratives.

Commenting on the selection results, Mr.Sanjoy K Roy, MD, Teamwork Arts & Festival Producer said, “META celebrates theater in India showcasing its diversity and creating a platform to highlight the incredible energy and passion that theatre persons bring to the stage against all odds.”

The nominated plays will be judged across 13 categories, making META the most comprehensive awards recognizing Indian theatre. Awards will be given for Best Play, Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Light Design, Best Innovative Sound Design, Best Costume Design, Best Actor in a Lead Role (Male), Best Actor in a Lead Role (Female), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female), Best Original Script, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreographer.

The red carpet META 2016 Awards Night will be held on March 11, 2016 at TheTaj Mahal Hotel, No. 1 Man Singh Road, New Delhi.

For more information on the nominees and full list of category wise nominations, please visit www.metawards.com