PUNE: After the resounding success of its inaugural play, _Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hun,_ the *World of Performing Arts (WOPA) Winter Festival* continues to elevate Pune’s cultural scene with an extraordinary theatrical offering. On December 21, 2024, WOPA presents Girish Karnad’s ‘Hayavadana’, a production that exemplifies the best of Indian theatre.
This staging of Hayavadana brings together national award-winning talent, combining the literary brilliance of Girish Karnad with the visionary direction of Padma Shri awardee Neelam Man Singh Chowdhry. The play was originally produced for Aadyam, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Group, and was brought to Pune by Bhoomija Trust.
About Hayavadana
Hayavadana, written by Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad, is one of India’s most celebrated modern plays. It masterfully blends myth, folklore, and realism, inspired by Thomas Mann’s The Transposed Heads. The two-act play explores the philosophical dilemmas of identity, desire, and transformation through the tale of two friends in love with the same woman and a half-man, half-horse character named Hayavadana.
This production features a live orchestra, including Punjab’s wandering minstrels led by 86-year-old Harpal Singh, and music adapted from the original score by B.V. Karanth by Amod Bhatt. The show also boasts scenography by Deepan Sivaraman and lighting design by Gyandev Singh.
Having been nominated in 10 categories at the 2024 Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) and winning awards for Best Ensemble, Best Costume Design, and Best Supporting Actor (Female), this production is hailed as a benchmark of artistic excellence.
Director’s Vision
“Among the best of modern Indian plays, Girish Karnad’s _Hayavadana_ combines magic, myth, and realism to provide infinite theatrical prospects. My approach to this production was intuitive, leading with curiosity and experimentation to create something deeply profound and soul-stirring,” says Neelam Man Singh Chowdhry, director of the play.
Why WOPA Chose _Hayavadana_
“WOPA is committed to bringing the finest theatre productions from across India to Pune. With _Hayavadana,_ we uphold our promise to showcase works of artistic brilliance and national significance. This play reflects WOPA’s mission to inspire audiences, provoke dialogue, and foster a vibrant theatre culture,” shares *Parul Mehta, Trustee of WOPA.
Details of the Performance
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Creaticity Amphitheatre, Pune
Tickets: Available on BookMyShow and at the venue
With its second production, WOPA reaffirms its role as Pune’s premier cultural hub, creating an unmissable experience for lovers of live theatre. Be part of this transformative journey and witness the power of storytelling and performance at its best.
