Begum Qudsia Zaidi, a writer, social worker and theatre practitioner, is best remembered for co-founding the Hindustani Theatre in Delhi. This festival from 17th to 19th February 2015 at the NCPA celebrates the work of this important, though forgotten, figure of theatre.
17th February AAZAR KA KHWAB Experimental Theatre By Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai
Aazar, a professor of phonetics bets that he can train Hajjo, a foul-mouthed fruit seller from Old Delhi, to speak perfect Urdu like a begum, in just six months.
Adapted by Begum Qudsia Zaidi Directed by Atul Tiwari Cast: Students of Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai
18th February MUDRARAKSHAS Experimental Theatre By Impresario Asia, New Delhi
Mudrarakshas is a Sanskrit classic written by Vishakhadatta over a thousand years ago. Begum Zaidi's adaptation is unique in its use of spoken Hindustani in an attempt to make the classic accessible to a larger audience.
Translated by Begum Qudsia Zaidi Directed by M. S. Sathyu & K. K. Kohli Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Maneesh Manoja, Burhan Quraishi, Tilak Raj, Naseem Ashraf & others
19th February CHACHA CHHAKKAN KE KAARNAME Tata Theatre By Pierrot's Troupe, New Delhi
45-year-old Chacha Chhakkan's penchant for interfering in household affairs lands him in hilarious situations.
Adapted by Begum Qudsia Zaidi Directed by Danish Iqbal & Dr. M. Sayeed Alam Cast: Tom Alter, Niti Phool, Anju Chhabra, Jaskiran Chopra & others