Nagpur: The much-anticipated preliminary round of the 63rd Amateur State Marathi Theatre Competition, organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Govt of Maharashtra, is set to commence on November 26 at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Nagpur.
The event will feature daily performances at 7pm, showcasing the vibrant Marathi theatre scene. The entry tickets to the plays are a nominal Rs 10 and Rs 15, with season passes being even more affordable.The theatre contest will continue up to December 17. A formal inauguration will be held on Tuesday in the presence of well-known theatre artists and officials of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs.
This year, 22 amateur theatre groups from Nagpur are participating, representing a rich tapestry of local talent. The festival will also take place simultaneously at three other centres in Vidarbha — Chandrapur, Akola, and Amravati — highlighting the region's contribution to Marathi theatre. The Nagpur leg will open with the play ‘Jangom Sena', penned by Praveen Khapre and directed by Chaitanya Dubey.
Popular groups like Bahujan Rangbhoomi, Rashtrabhasha Parivar, RSD Library, Hemendu Rangbhoomi, Ankur Group, Ambhruni Seva Sanstha, Arunodaya Group, and Kruti Theatres are among the participants.
Adding diversity to the performances, groups from Koradi Thermal Power Station will also present their productions in Nagpur.
The competition, previously held at Scientific Society Hall, was moved to Vasantrao Deshpande Hall last year. Despite a dip in attendance initially, organisers chose to retain the venue due to its superior facilities, hoping for a better turnout this year. Traditionally, the festival begins on November 15 at all 24 centres across Maharashtra. However, due to the state elections, many venues, including those in Chandrapur and Akola, were reserved for election purposes until November 25.
Consequently, this year's competition was delayed, with Nagpur's festival officially starting on November 26.
Curtains to go up on Nov 26
* Marathi play every day at 7pm from November 26 to December 17
* 22 amateur theatre groups from Nagpur will present plays
* Entry fees are nominal – Rs 15 and Rs 10; season passes even cheaper
* Venue, Vasantrao Deshpande Hall, is centrally located
* Theatre lovers invited to watch and appreciate local talent