Lucknow: The multi-performing arts Repertwahr Festival Season 12 continued to captivate audiences on its second day with a diverse and engaging lineup of performances across its stages. From soulful poetry and stand-up comedy to thought-provoking drama and electrifying music, the festival lived up to its reputation as India’s most unique cultural extravaganza.
Literature Stage: Words That Spellbound
The day opened with a mesmerizing poetry session by renowned poet Azhar Iqbal, whose evocative verses resonated deeply with the audience. Following this, emerging artist Eishita Chaturvedi brought a heartfelt and intimate touch with her soulful slam poetry performance, leaving an indelible impression on festival-goers.
Bhoopesh Rai, Founder of Repertwahr Festival, and Priyanka Sarkar, Co-Founder, highlighted the festival’s mission:
“The objective of Repertwahr Festival is to create an appreciation for performing arts and artists among the people of Lucknow and make performing arts accessible to lesser-exposed audiences. Our festival seeks to challenge the conventional notion that theatre and music are age-specific, and instead, provide an inclusive and engaging experience that transcends generational boundaries.”
The stage also burst into laughter as comedian Gaurav Kapoor brought his sharp wit and relatable anecdotes to the forefront, leaving the audience in splits with his impeccable comic timing.
Rang Theatre Stage: A Thought-Provoking Drama
The Rang Theatre Stage showcased the powerful drama ‘HIND’, a Hindustani adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Fences’. Featuring a stellar cast including Sachin Khedekar, Sonal Jha, and Dadhi Pandey, the production delivered a compelling narrative and memorable performances that kept the audience engrossed.
Musical Brilliance: Thaikkudam Bridge
The day concluded with an electrifying performance by the celebrated 17-member South Indian band Thaikkudam Bridge. Known for their genre-defying musical artistry, the band—renowned for composing the soundtrack of the 2023 blockbuster Kantara—delivered a performance that had the audience enthralled, leaving a lasting impression of musical brilliance.
Fankaar Stage: Showcasing Grassroots Talent
Adding a local flavor, the Fankaar Stage celebrated emerging artists in music, dance, and poetry. This unique platform provided an opportunity for grassroots talent to shine, showcasing the creative spirit of the community and garnering enthusiastic applause from the audience.
A Festival of Gratitude and Collaboration
Reflecting on the festival’s success, Bhoopesh Rai expressed heartfelt thanks:
“We are deeply grateful to our incredible audience for their passion and vibrant spirit, which brought the festival to life. We sincerely thank the administration for their steadfast support in turning this vision into reality. Finally, we celebrate the remarkable artists whose talent and commitment made this event a triumphant celebration of art and culture.”
Started in 2009 as a humble theatre festival, Repertwahr has evolved into an annual cultural event that encompasses Theatre, Music, Literature, Stand-Up Comedy, and a Food and Craft Bazaar. Today, it stands as one of India’s most unique and inclusive performing arts festivals, bridging generational and cultural divides.
