DESDEMONA ROOPAKAM Brings a Feminist Musical Reimagining of Othello to Mumbai
March 17, 2026 18:27:37 IST MTG editorial
Mumbai's vibrant theatre scene is set to witness a unique confluence of music, storytelling and feminist reinterpretation with DESDEMONA ROOPAKAM, a compelling concert-theatre production directed by Abhishek Majumdar. Scheduled at Prithvi Theatre on April 2 and 3, 2026, this production offers a fresh perspective on Othello, placing Desdemona's voice at the centre of the narrative.
Blending Hindustani, Carnatic and folk music traditions, the performance features celebrated musicians MD Pallavi and Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy. The piece seamlessly integrates live music with theatre, spoken word poetry and dramatic storytelling, creating a layered and immersive experience for audiences.
The text has been collaboratively devised by a team including Irawati Karnik and Abhishek Majumdar, interweaving original writing with excerpts from Shakespeare and poetry by Tishani Doshi. The production draws inspiration from traditional Indian performance forms such as Yakshagana and Harikatha, while also embracing contemporary theatrical expression.
At its core, DESDEMONA ROOPAKAM interrogates the silences surrounding Desdemona's character and explores how her story might evolve if shaped through women's perspectives. By placing her narrative alongside figures from Indian mythology, the production examines themes of voice, agency and representation across cultures and time.
Produced by Nalanda Arts Studio and supported by Ranga Shankara, the play has already travelled to prestigious festivals such as the Serendipity Arts Festival and Tata Literature Festival.
With sound design by Nikhil Nagaraj and lighting by Niranjan Gokhale, this production promises a powerful theatrical experience. Theatre lovers in Mumbai can catch the performances at 7:30 PM on both evenings.
*Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.