Movies
NCPA & Zee Theatre partner to present Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav
Mumbai 2024: The National Centre for the Performing Arts’ Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav returns this summer. Co-powered by Zee Theatre, the three-day Marathi theatre festival (from the 17 to 19 May) encompasses a variety of vibrant activities such as poetry readings, venue tours, workshops and plays.
The festival opens with the premiere of Patra Patri, a tongue-in-cheek epistolary play about changing times, featuring two stalwarts – Vijay Kenkre and Dilip Prabhavalkar. In stark contrast to this humorous offering is Kavi Jaato Tenvha, a musical play-reading on the poetic works of Manik Sitaram Godghate, known by his pen name Grace. The festival also offers two workshops; one on the fundamentals of acting by renowned actor Priyadarshan Jadhav and the other about stage design by noted art director Macchindra Shinde.
NCPA head of theatre & films Bruce Guthrie shared, “The NCPA’s commitment to Marathi theatre and cultural groups is demonstrated through initiatives like Pratibimb. This festival aims to preserve and nurture Maharashtrian culture. It is a celebration and a collaboration between the NCPA and established and emerging artists, creating a vibrant space for artistic expression in the Marathi theatre community. The upcoming Pratibimb festival promises an enticing blend of mainstream and innovative performances. With no fewer than three premieres, it gives our audiences a chance to see the fantastic plays first at the NCPA. Alongside these, enriching readings, workshops, and tours will be held, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience of the vibrant world of Marathi theatre. This diverse lineup ensures there’s something for every theatre enthusiast eager to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Marathi theatre. We also offer greater access with many of the performances subtitled in English, so people who don’t speak Marathi can still experience the plays. We invite our audiences to join this celebration and immerse themselves in Pratibimb’s rich tapestry of experiences.”
This year, Pratibimb also features two intriguing love stories. Playwright Irawati Karnik, renowned for delving into the complexities of human behavior and relationships, presents her highly acclaimed work, “Jar Tar Chi Goshta.” Complementing this, Niranjan Pedanekar’s “Love is Hanikarak” offers a darker perspective on love.
Emerging from the NCPA’s prestigious “Darpan” playwriting competition, “Golkonda Diamonds” by Yogeshwar Bendre explores the perennial struggle of individuals against the overwhelming forces of the system. Building on the success of last year’s winning play, “Kalgitura,” by Datta Patil, the festival also presents “Dagad aani Maati” that delves deeper into themes of provenance and identity.
Witness these captivating stories unfold on stage and immerse yourself in this unique theatrical experience. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.
Documentary
Netflix and Warner Music ink landmark documentary deal
The streaming giant has just unlocked one of the richest vaults in music history. Its rivals should be worried
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK: Netflix and Warner Music Group have signed an exclusive multi-year deal to produce documentary series and films drawn from the label’s storied artist roster, the companies announced on Friday — a move that hands the streaming platform access to one of the most formidable catalogues in music history.
Warner Music Group represents legends including David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. That is a staggering breadth of material for a platform hungry for prestige content and subscriber growth to match.
Under the agreement, Warner Music will work with Unigram, the production company aligned with the label, which will serve as the studio for its long-form projects. Each title will be developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their estates, ensuring the kind of intimate access that turns a documentary into an event.
The deal reflects an intensifying race between music-rights owners and streaming platforms eager to turn deep catalogues into premium visual content. Music documentaries have become a vehicle for fan-driven, culturally resonant programming — a trend underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” film, which grossed over $260 million globally and reminded every platform chief just how lucrative the genre can be.
Netflix already boasts formidable credentials in music storytelling, with “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and “Quincy” among its highest-profile releases. The Warner deal sharpens that edge considerably. Rival platforms have not been idle: Disney+ has released “The Beach Boys”, while Max has drawn attention with “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original content through its Apple Music Live series, producing documentaries and livestreamed concerts featuring Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.
The battle for music’s visual soul, then, is well and truly on. Netflix has just made its boldest move yet.
