This November, the NCPA presents four distinctive Marathi theatre productions that traverse the landscape of contemporary dramatic expression. The lineup opens with a literary exploration of identity through the works of G.N. Dandekar, followed by a celebration of Bahinabai Chaudhary's agricultural poetry in the authentic Khandeshi dialect. The month concludes with two productions connected to P. L. Deshpande's legacy—a satirical defence of artistic freedom and a tribute to his literary criticism. Together, these performances demonstrate the depth and diversity of Marathi theatre, from spiritual inquisitiveness to folk traditions to bold social commentary. Join us to experience these productions that continue to reflect on who we are and what we value.

Event 1 - Koham

Experimental Theatre| November 28, 2025 | 7 pm

An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Theatron Entertainment

What does it mean to be who we are? Through dramatic readings drawn from Gopal Neelkanth Dandekar’s literary works, Koham wrestles with questions of identity across time. The production weaves together narratives from saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and brings them into conversation with contemporary life in the 21st century. 

The play is directed by Suraj Parasnis and Virajas Kulkarni, with Kulkarni also serving as writer. Parasnis, co-founder of Theatron Entertainment, has been instrumental in drawing younger audiences to Marathi theatre through his contemporary direction style. Kulkarni, known for performances in Victoria and Ti and Ti, brings a keen understanding of modern Marathi storytelling to the stage. The ensemble features Mrunal Kulkarni a veteran actor and director celebrated for her work in television classics like Son Pari alongside Shivani Rangole, recognised for Project 9191, and Shivraj Waichal, an actor-director seen in works such as Phuntroo.

Music is composed by Nishaad Golambare, choreography is by Phulawa Khamkar a National Award-winning choreographer known for her dynamic work in Marathi and Hindi cinema and the compilation is by Madhura Deo. Together, the team creates a layered, immersive performance that blends literature, music, and movement into a meditation on selfhood.

Age Recommendation: 14+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 2 hours

Tickets (Plus GST)

• Members: Rs. 900, 720 & 540/- 
• Non-Members: 1,000, 800 & 600/- 

Event 2 - Arre Sansaar Sansaar

Experimental Theatre| November 29, 2025 | 7 pm

An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Parivartan, Jalgaon

The poetry of Bahinabai Chaudhari, the self-taught poet whose Khandeshi verses transformed the everyday language of agrarian life into literature, finds new life on stage in Arre Sansaar Sansaar. Comprising poetry and folk songs performed in the Kandeshi dialect, the performance celebrates her philosophical yet accessible reflections on the rhythm of rural existence, motherhood, and womanhood.

The production is conceptualised by Vijay Jain, a veteran cultural curator known for his work in preserving folk traditions of northern Maharashtra, and directed by Narayan Baviskar, whose productions frequently foreground regional identity and oral heritage. Artists from Parivartan, Jalgaon a community troupe dedicated to the revival of folk poetry and performance lend the piece its authenticity, combining live music and narration to preserve Chaudhari’s lyrical voice.

Bahinabai’s legacy has inspired generations of Marathi writers, including her son, Purushottam Laxman Deshpande (P. L. Deshpande), who compiled and published her poetry posthumously in Bahinabainchi Gani in 1952.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 2 hours

Tickets (Plus GST)

• Members: 405 & 450/-
• Non-Members: 450 & 500/-

Event 3 - Mad Sakharam

Godrej Dance Theatre| November 30, 2025 | 5 pm

An NCPA Collaboration

This production presents a unique chapter in Marathi theatre history, where one playwright defended another through the art of satire. In the 1970s, when Vijay Tendulkar's Sakharam Binder faced severe censorship and attempts to shut down performances for its bold examination of societal hypocrisy, P. L. Deshpande responded with his own play, Bhagwan Sri Sakharam Binder. What appeared to be a parody was actually a clever defence of artistic freedom, highlighting the absurdity of moral policing while standing in solidarity with Tendulkar's right to address uncomfortable truths.

Directed by Mangesh Satpute, Mad Sakharam features Sunil Jadhav, Vishal More, Shreyas Vaidya, Alka Parab, Kiran Rajput, and Prajakta Pawar, with music by Mandar Kamlapurkar, set design by Sandesh Bendre, and lighting by Amogh Phadake. The play examines how art confronts hypocrisy and challenges those who position themselves as cultural gatekeepers. Deshpande's satirical approach demonstrates that humour can be a powerful tool for social critique, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary discourse.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 60 minutes

Tickets (Inclusive of GST)

• Members: 450/-
• Non-Members: 500/-

Event 4 - Marathi Vangmayacha Gholiv Itihas

Godrej Dance Theatre| November 30, 2025 | 7.15 pm

An NCPA Presentation

Based on P. L. Deshpande's book of the same name, this theatrical adaptation presents his literary commentary through a blend of scholarly insight and his characteristic wit. The original work offered Deshpande's perspective on Marathi literature, combining serious analysis with his signature humorous style. Though he was unable to expand further on this work due to health constraints, the book remains a significant contribution to literary criticism in Marathi.

Written by Mukesh Machkar and directed by Mangesh Satpute, the production honours Deshpande's birth anniversary by introducing his "serious humour" to today's audiences. The performance incorporates some of his well-known characters while connecting historical literary traditions with contemporary contexts. Presented by Sonali Kulkarni, the cast includes Sanjay Gosavi, Mayuresh Khole, Dhanashri Lele, Mehul Bharti, Dhanashri Patil, and Shreyas Vaidya. Machkar, known for his work in adapting literary texts for the stage, brings his understanding of Deshpande's style to this tribute performance.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 60 minutes

Tickets (Inclusive of GST)

• Members: 405 & 360/-
• Non-Members: 450 & 400/-