ZEN KATHA: Indian Theatre Exploring the Path of Inner and Outer Awakening
January 21, 2026 19:04:22 IST MTG editorial
Indian theatre has always had a deep relationship with philosophy, spirituality, and storytelling that goes beyond spectacle. ZEN KATHA, presented by INT Aditya Birla Centre for Performing Arts Production, is a powerful reminder of this tradition. Rooted in history yet resonating strongly with contemporary seekers, the play brings to the stage the extraordinary life of Bodhidharma, a prince from the ancient kingdom of Kanchi, whose influence shaped Zen Buddhism and martial arts as the world knows them today.
Written by the acclaimed narrator, playwright, and documentary filmmaker Partap Sharma, ZEN KATHA is not merely a historical retelling. It is a layered theatrical experience that traces Bodhidharma’s journey across both the physical and metaphysical realms. Beginning in 6th-century India and travelling to the stark monasteries of China, the play unfolds as a meditation on transformation, discipline, and the search for meaning.
For Indian theatre actors and practitioners, ZEN KATHA offers much to engage with. The narrative charts Bodhidharma’s evolution from a Brahmin prince to a Buddhist monk and eventually to the 28th Patriarch of Zen Buddhism. This transformation is not shown as a sudden awakening but as a gradual shedding of identities, attachments, and worldly certainties. The play’s dramatic structure allows performers to explore stillness, restraint, and inner conflict - qualities that are often more challenging than overt theatricality.
Director Lillete Dubey, of The Primetime Theatre Company, brings a refined theatrical sensibility to the production. Known for her ability to balance strong text with visual elegance, Dubey crafts a stage language that is both intimate and expansive. The visual world of ZEN KATHA is further enriched by Salim Akhtar’s evocative set and lighting design, which seamlessly transports the audience from royal courts to monastic spaces.
Music plays a vital role in shaping the play’s atmosphere, with an original score by Mahesh Tinaikar adding emotional depth and rhythmic flow. Pallavi Patel’s costumes reflect the cultural and spiritual transitions of the narrative, while the martial arts sequences, choreographed by Lars Kjeldsen, lend a dynamic physical vocabulary to the production.
For theatre lovers and students of performance, ZEN KATHA stands as an example of how Indian theatre can engage with global histories while remaining rooted in philosophical inquiry. It is a play that asks its audience to slow down, observe, and reflect - much like Zen itself. In an age of fast narratives and instant gratification, ZEN KATHA quietly reminds us of the power of stillness, discipline, and inner transformation on stage.
*Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.
