The NCPA’s Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore: A Curated Celebration of Dance and Drama across shows
The line-up spans classical dance, dance drama and theatre, with performances across shows by some of the finest artistes and collectives working in Tagore’s idiom today.
As part of the birth anniversary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, presents a curated series of evocative performances that pay homage to the Nobel laureate’s enduring legacy. The line-up spans classical dance, dance drama and theatre, with performances across shows by some of the finest artistes and collectives working in Tagore’s idiom today. From the expressive depth of Odissi dance to the storytelling of contemporary theatre, the festival invites audiences to experience the many facets of Tagore’s artistic universe.
Day 1 - Tracing fragments of a shattered muse
Experimental Theatre | May 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM
An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Paradigm Shift Arts
Step into the poignant world of Kadambari Devi, Tagore's muse and confidante, in this Hindi & Bangla theatrical production with English subtitles. The play unfolds on the day when mrityu has come to take away both Kadambari and Rabi, exploring their complex relationship through memories and a final conversation between the living and departed.
Written and directed by Meghna Roy Choudhury, this evocative production features performances by Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Priyanka Choudhary, Aditi Arora, Hrishabh Kanti, Aayush Thakur, and Abhijeet Vikram Singh. Beyond whispers of scandal, the play pieces together fragments of Kadambari's existence, questioning how history remembers the woman who inspired greatness but remained in the shadows. A haunting musical score by Aabha Soumitra accompanies this exploration of love, longing, and loss.
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets (Inclusive of GST)
- Members: Rs. 450 & 360/-
- Non-Members: Rs. 500 & 400/-
Day 2 - Chiro Sakha…The Divine in Me & Rajendranandini – The Warrior Princess
Experimental Theatre | May 8, 2025 | 6:30 PM
An NCPA presentation
Experience an evening of classical dance performances celebrating Rabindranath Tagore through two distinct productions that bring his profound works to life. This special showcase features acclaimed artistes interpreting Tagore's literary vision through movement and expression.
"Chiro Sakha…The Divine in Me" by Arnab Bandyopadhyay and his troupe Darpani is an Odissi dance offering that explores an artiste's quest for relevance in difficult times. Drawing inspiration from Tagore's Geetanjali, this performance celebrates life with an endless hope to achieve the divine within us during moments of anxiety. Bandyopadhyay, trained in both Bharatanatyam and Odissi under distinguished gurus including Padmavibhushan Guru Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra, brings technical precision and emotional depth to this presentation.
The evening continues with "Rajendranandini – The Warrior Princess" performed by Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music & Culture. Established in 1975, Shahana has built a reputation for innovative, high-quality interpretations of Tagore's works across various performance formats. Based on Tagore's play Chitrangada, this dance drama tells the compelling story of the Manipur princess and her relationship with the Pandava prince Arjun, highlighting Tagore's emphasis on authenticity and self-acceptance despite all temptations.
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes
Tickets (Inclusive of GST)
- Members: Rs. 270 & 180/-
- Non-Members: Rs. 300 & 200/-