Building the Wada Again

Building the Wada again brings together some of the important voices in Indian theatre for a thoughtful conversation on memory, performance and the changing life of a theatrical work. The session explores Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Wada trilogy and the process of reimagining Virasat for contemporary audiences.

The discussion brings together celebrated playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar and theatre-maker Anuradha Kapur, with writer and scholar Ashutosh Potdar as the moderator. Together, they will explore ideas around text, dramaturgy, memory and archives, while asking why the Wada trilogy continues to remain relevant today.

The conversation is closely connected to Virasat, a new staging of Elkunchwar’s Wada trilogy directed by Anuradha Kapur. The production brings three plays together as a single performance and explores the lives of the Deshpande family against a changing social landscape.

For theatre lovers, writers, students, performers, researchers and anyone interested in Indian performing arts, this session offers an opportunity to hear directly from experienced practitioners and understand how a theatrical text evolves when it meets new performers, spaces and audiences.

Taking place at Sunken Garden, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, the conversation provides a space to think about how theatre preserves memory while also allowing stories to be revisited, questioned and rebuilt for the present.

Join Building the Wada again for an engaging discussion on theatre, storytelling, memory and the continuing relevance of one of modern Indian theatre’s significant bodies of work.

• Explore Indian Theatre: Discover the ideas and creative processes behind an important work of contemporary Indian theatre.
• Hear from Mahesh Elkunchwar: Listen to one of India's celebrated playwrights discuss Virasat and the Wada trilogy.
• Learn from Theatre Practitioners: Gain perspectives from theatre-maker and educator Anuradha Kapur on performance and reimagining theatrical works.
• Understand Memory and Archives: Explore how memory, archives and past experiences can influence the way theatre is created and presented today.
• Discover New Perspectives on Virasat: Understand how a landmark theatrical work can be rebuilt and presented for new performers and audiences.
• Perfect for Theatre and Arts Lovers: The session is relevant for theatre enthusiasts, performers, writers, students, researchers and anyone interested in performing arts.
• Enjoy a Thoughtful Conversation: Take part in an engaging discussion about text, dramaturgy, performance and why the Wada trilogy continues to connect with audiences.
• Experience the Event at Sunder Nursery: Attend the conversation at Sunken Garden, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, a distinctive setting for this theatre-focused session.