Neighbourhood Museum, Shadi Khampur is now open!

Now open! This is to announce the Neighbourhood Museum of the local history of Shadi Khampur, at Studio Safdar. All those in Delhi -- and those travelling here during the next 3 weeks -- do visit the museum. The museum will be open till 21 Jan, daily, 12 noon to 7 pm (except 1 Jan, when we are closed). 

There are also events that explore the many histories of Delhi. The first of these is an illustrated talk entitled 'Water Ways' by Sohail Hashmi, on Friday 4th Jan, 6.00 p.m. Looking at the Seven Cities of Delhi, how they met their requirements of water, the contribution made by the drainage system of the Jamuna and other traditional sources of water in meeting these requirements. Lessons we can draw for the present. The talk is the first in a series of events that accompanies the Neighbourhood Museum, Shadi Khampur, set up in Studio Safdar, which remains open till 21st Jan, 12 noon to 7 p.m. daily (except on 1st Jan).

Sohail Hashmi studied Geography, worked with the CPI (M), made documentaries, conducts heritage walks, writes, travels, cooks -- and talks about all of these.

Best wishes for the new year,

Some stories on the Neighbourhood Museum are here:

http://timeoutdelhi.net/around-town/features/little-history

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/300857/through-local-narratives.html

http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/TijTpmMIFxKuGjllcemnYM/Delhis-Belly--West-side-story.html?facet=print

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/A-museum-in-west-Delhi-collects-communitys-local-history/articleshow/17769640.cms

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

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1 Jan 2013: Safdar Hashmi Shahadat Divas

Jana Natya Manch

1973 — 1989 — 2013

सफ़दर हाश्मी शहादत दिवस

Safdar Hashmi Shahadat Divas

मज़दूरों और कलाकारों का साझा कार्यक्रम

नुक्कड़ नाटक-गीत-आम सभा 

1 January 2013

The programme will begin at 12.30 pm at Dr Ambedkar Park, Jhandapur

STREET PLAYS - PUBLIC MEETING - SINGING

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Pick up from Koshambi metro station (blue line) at 11.30 am.

कोशाम्बी मेट्रो स्टेशन से सुबह 11.30 बजे pick up की सुविधा होगी। Jana Natya Manch

ALL ARE WELCOME  

19 Dec 2012: 11 AM: Police Headquarters, ITO

> On this outrageous incident of brutal gang rape in the moving bus in Delhi, all of us have to unite and strongly express our protest and shock while demanding immediate action from the police and the government. Let us come together in front of ITO Police Head Quarters at 11 am tomorrow (19th December, 2012) to voice our outrage.  
>
>
> Please pass this on widely and keep us also informed.
>
> Greetings ,
>
>
> Sudha Sundararaman
> General Secretary, AIDWA
>
>
>
> --
> AIDWA
>
>
>
> --
> Moloyashree Hashmi
>
>
>
> --
> Jana Natya Manch
> New Delhi
> INDIA
> www.jananatyamanch.org
> https://www.facebook.com/jananatyamanch
> Follow us on Twitter: @jananatyamanch
>
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>

24 Nov 2012: Safdar Hashmi Memorial Lecture

Jana Natya Manch invites you to the 19th Safdar Hashmi Memorial Lecture  

New Imaginaries for Cultural Activism

by

Sadanand Menon

Eminent Arts Journalist Cultural Commentator

on 24th November 2012, 6:00 pm

at Studio Safdar, 2253-E, Shadi Khampur, New Delhi-110008

ph: 9013293069, 9868853540, 09868880881

Directions:Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – 'Biyaasi number' – May Day board next to DMS booth.

If coming from Rajiv Chowk, get off at Shadipur Metro station. Exit on same side as direction of train. On right small traffic light. Turn right. Go past SATYAM cinema. Reach T point. Turn left. Go to end of road. On right, opposite DMS(milk) booth look for the Studio Safdar sign.

Please do come and forward the e-invite attached with this email to others.

Regards

Komita Dhanda

Secretatary, Jana Natya Manch

   

November 2012 Schedule for Studio Safdar & May Day

Here is the schedule for November 2012. Exciting events! Please do come with friends.

With best wishes for festive season,
Admin Team
Studio Safdar & May Day

 

November 2012 at Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur and May Day Bookstore and Café

 

 

Middle of the Month at May Day. The third weekend of every month, which culminates with our famous Sunday brunch!

Friday 16^th, 6.30 pm. Film screenings: I Am Your Poet by Nitin Pamnani. A story of a person who lives in poetry. English subtitles; 40 mins. 

A day in the Life of Ponga Pandit by Sudhanva Deshpande & Sanjay Maharishi. A film that captures a performance by Habib Tanvir and his Naya Theatre, under attack from the Hindu Right. English subtitles; 27 mins. Filmmakers will be present for discussion for both films. Presented by the Magic Lantern Foundation.

Saturday 17th, 4.00 pm. Conversation: 'Aap Beeti: Women's Own Stories', a monthly series curated by Maimoona Mollah, exploring the lives, stories, labour and struggles of women. This month's conversation features Rukmini, wife of a mochi from Harda district in Madhya Pradesh. Married at the age of 15, Rukmini and her husband could not survive in the village. "Poora nahin padta tha, isliye Dilli aye." Here her husband worked as a "pheriwala mochi" in Sheikh Sarai, but died in a bus accident. Rukmini had to take up a Rs. 35 job as domestic help. "Poora nahin padta tha," so they'd eat one day and starve the next day. With fortitude and courage, she renovated her jhuggi, got her 3 daughters married and continues to work as domestic help as she is still in debt. Even now, "poora nahi padta . . .".

Sunday 18th, 10.30 am onwards. Brunch at May Day, followed by screening of Ang Lee's charming film, Eat Drink Man Woman. Buffet with an eat-all-you-can menu. Limited seats. Advance booking required. Minimum suggested contribution: Rs 225 per head. Email cafemayday@gmail.com. The buffet will start at 10.30, and the screening at 1. Synopsis: Senior Master Chef Chu lives in a large house in Taipei with his three unmarried daughters, Jia-Jen, a chemistry teacher converted to Christianity, Jia-Chien, an airline executive, and Jia-Ning, a student who also works in a fast food restaurant. Life in the house revolves around the ritual of an elaborate dinner each Sunday, and the love lives of all the family members.

Saturday 24^th, 6.00 pm. XIX Safdar Hashmi Memorial Lecture by Sadanand Menon, "New Imaginaries for Cultural Activism". Sadanand Menon is a nationally reputed arts editor, popular teacher of cultural journalism, widely published photographer, arts curator and prolific writer and speaker at seminars on politics, ecology and the arts. The lecture will be chaired by the novelist and writer Githa Hariharan.

Sunday 25th, 6.30 pm. Performance: Patangbaaz – The kite flyers by Actor Factor Theatre Co. What makes people fearless? What makes them put their lives on the line and do the extraordinary? Seen through the ingenious eyes of three school boys, Patangbaaz takes you through the narrow by-lanes of the modern-day Lucknow via crowded markets to the banks of Gomati in search of the answer. Hindi; 60 mins.

Friday 30th, 6.30 pm. Akhiri Jumme Ki Sangat. A series on Hindi/Urdu literature. Series curated by Sanjeev Kumar and Vibhas Verma.Akhiri Jumme ki Sangat -- A series on Hindi/Urdu literature.Akhiri Jumme ki Sangat -- A series on Hindi/Urdu literature.

 

* We give a grace time of 15 mins after the scheduled time. In any case, both Studio Safdar and May Day are small spaces with limited seating, so best to arrive early.

None of the events are ticketed. We are unable to pay anything to the artists who enrich our lives, unless you contribute. We'll spread the chadar at the end of the performance. These contributions will be shared 50:50 with the artists.

Studio Safdar has been made possible by hundreds of voluntary donations from across the country and beyond. Please consider making a donation that will help us equip and maintain the space better.

And if you can't make it for any of these events, do still drop in for books and coffee. The bookstore opens daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – 'Biyaasi number' – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Google map location: http://goo.gl/maps/nyjZ5

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

13 Oct 2012: Aap Beeti: Women's Own Stories

October 2012 at Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur and May Day Bookstore and Café

Saturday 13^th, 4.00 pm. Conversation: ‘Aap Beeti: Women’s Own Stories’, a monthly series curated by Maimoona Mollah, exploring the lives, stories, labour and struggles of women. This time, Maimoona will speak with Guddi. Born in Karnal, Guddi is the first of five siblings. When her mother was kicked out of the house by her in-laws, the family moved to her Nani's house in Faridabad. Guddi had to help her mother in household work and in rearing the buffaloes. After her marriage at the age of 14, Guddi came to Gaushala in Manekpura. Her husband being a casual labourer, they did not have enough to manage the household. Hence Guddi had to take up the home-based work of sticking bindis. Living in a shanty, sitting in poor light she did this for 20 years. She is no longer able to stick bindis due to poor eyesight. But her involvement with the women's movement continues . . .

This is a monthly series, and students attending any three sessions in this series will receive a Letter of Participation from May Day Bookstore.

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

2 Aug 2012: Remembering Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal

Remembering Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal
Please join us as we remember our Mummy at 5 pm, Thursday, August 2 at Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi.

Subhashini, Anisa, Ashwani, Shaad, Neha & Nishant

27 जुलाई 2012: आख़िरी जुम्मे की संगत

आख़िरी जुम्मे की संगत-2 @ मे-डे बुकस्टोर एंड कैफ़े
27 जुलाई, 2012     शाम 6.30

  मनीषा कुलश्रेष्ठ का कहानी-पाठ

दोस्तो, पिछली बार ही आपको बताया था, मे-डे बुकस्टोर एंड कैफ़े ने हर महीने के आख़िरी शुक्रवार की शाम को हिंदी साहित्य पर केन्द्रित एक कार्यक्रम रखना तय किया है. मौके का नाम: 'आख़िरी जुम्मे की संगत'. इसकी पहली कड़ी के रूप में अनुज का कहानी-पाठ हुआ था. इस बार, 27 जुलाई को मनीषा कुलश्रेष्ठ अपनी किसी कहानी का पाठ करेंगी.


मनीषा के लिए कोई परिचय दरकार नहीं है. कठपुतलियाँ कहानी संग्रह से वे चर्चित हुई थीं. फिर शिगाफ़ उपन्यास और अब शालभंजिका ने उन्हें पर्याप्त प्रतिष्ठा दिलाई है. उन्हें सुनना और उनसे बहस/विचार-विमर्श करना, निस्संदेह, एक यादगार तजुर्बा होगा.

आप आमंत्रित हैं.

May Day Bookstore and Café, 2254/2A, Ground Floor, Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008
Directions: Come to Shadipur Metro Station on the NOIDA-Dwarka line (12 mins from Rajiv Chowk). Ask for Satyam Cinema. With Satyam on your right, walk to end of the road (250 mts). At the T, take left, and follow this road till it ends (500 mts) with a park on the right and a cluster of cars parked in front. May Day is across the cluster of cars, right next to a DMS milk booth.
Cycle rickshaw: At the Shadipur station, ask to be taken to 'Biyaasi number' (no. 82 -- so called because that bus used to once terminate here), which will get you to the cluster of cars and the DMS booth. Fare: Rs 10. We encourage you to take the cycle rickshaw and boost the local economy of Shadi Khampur.
Tip: A good station to park your car at is Patel Chowk. Change lines at Rajiv Chowk.
               

25 Jul 2012: Discussion on Public Art

Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur invites you to a panel discussion on public art.

 

‘Locating the Work’

   e-invite attached

Discussants: Sadanand Menon (critic and cultural commentator, Chennai) and Pravin Kannanur (artist, Chennai), moderated by Joyoti Roy (Janam and National Culture Fund, New Delhi).

Date and time: 25 July 2012, 6.30 p.m.

 

The discussion will be preceded by a signing ceremony wherein Pravin Kannanur and his team of artists will sign the Public Art Project they created for the outside walls of Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café, Shadi Khampur. Studio Safdar is a new space set up by Jana Natya Manch to foster and encourage art among the people. It is named after Safdar Hashmi (1954-1989), one of Janam's founder members, who had sown the seeds of the dream that led to the creation of Studio Safdar. The theatre space is adjacent to the May Day Bookstore and Cafe, an initiative of LeftWord Books.

 

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

20-22 Jul 2012: Festival of Documentary Films

Untold Stories from the Margins, a three-day festival of documentary films, curated by Kanishka Prasad and Nakul Sawhney.

Friday 20^th July, 6.30 pm.  Series of Short Films by Surya Shankar Dash, 98 mins. The films ranging from 1 min to 33 mins deal with stories from a people’s struggle and a people’s own narration of it against corporations like Tata, Posco and Vedanta in Odisha. 

Saturday 21^st July, 6.30 pm. Delhi Mumbai Delhi by Saba Dewan, 63 mins. Riya dances in the beer bars of Mumbai to make a living. The documentary follows her from her home in Delhi to Mumbai where hundreds of working class girls come in search of work and a future. Riya’s future is unpredictable and the present is marked with its own difficulties. The police harass her family in Delhi, there is constant pressure from her agent in Mumbai to attract more tips and the work itself is demanding. However, there are other girls to have fun with, there is money to dress well and then there are men … admirers promising the moon. The documentary is an intimate portrait of the everyday in the life of the girls, their agents and their neighbourhoods.

Sunday 22^nd July, 6.30 pm.  Izzatnagar Ki Asabhya Betiyaan by Nakul Sawhney, 93 mins. The film looks at the narratives of five young Jat women who have dealt with the strictures of the Khap Panchayat and found ways to resist them.

     Saturday 21^st July, 4 pm. ‘The Time of the Impossible: Revolts around the Mediterranean (from Spain to Tunisia, through Greece and Egypt)’, a talk by Prof. Vijay   Prashad, whose latest book, Arab Spring, Libyan Winter, has just been released by LeftWord. The talk will be followed by discussion with Prof. Vijay Prashad.

 

***********

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

20 Jul 2012: The Media Mess-age

Jansanskriti, Delhi, presents its

 

27th AKG Memorial Lecture

THE MEDIA MESS-AGE

by Sashi Kumar

(Chairman, Media Development Foundation and Asian College of Journalism)

on Friday, 20 July 2012, 6.30 pm

Muktadhara Auditorium, Banga Sanskriti Bhavan

Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Gole Market, New Delhi

All are invited.

July 2012 at Studio Safdar

July 2012 at Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur and

May Day Bookstore and Café

Sunday 8^th, 6.30 pm. Little Remains by Improper Fractions. The play engages with memory as a process, which is made, unmade and remade by focusing on certain texts – literary fiction, plays and extracts which we adapt and attempt to string together. The first piece is an adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s novella Chronicle of a Death Foretold. The second piece, Photographic Memory, is an adaptation of American playwright, Kelly Powell's play What are the Chances that deals with memory and photography. The third piece, laFjaoa mao gauma (Lost in Words) is self scripted. Memories are revoked, altered and transformed through repetition and rehearsal. Directed by Manjari Kaul and Shilpi Gulati.

Middle of the Month at May Day. The third weekend of every month, and the Thursday-Friday preceding it. The bookstore will offer special discounts on all books during these 4 days.

Thursday 12^th, 6.30 pm. Screening of ‘Bom aka One Day Ahead of Democracy’.  A real life story of transition; an ancient civilization being invaded and obliterated by the modern democracy. Directed by Amlan Datta. Filmmaker will be present for discussion. 118 minutes. Presented by the Magic Lantern Foundation.

Friday 13^th, 6.30 pm. Novelist Githa Hariharan discusses Sadat Hasan Manto’s story Toba Tek Singh. Followed by reading of the story by Brijesh (Jana Natya Manch) and discussion.

Saturday 14^th, 5 pm. Com. Kalindi Deshpande Memorial Lecture.

Sunday 15^th, 9.30 am.-12 noon. Breakfast at May Day. The menu this time is based around mangoes, and includes aam panna, puri-sabzi, mango shrikhand, mango chutney, and, of course, lots and lots of mangoes. Buffet with an eat-all-you-can menu. Limited seats. Advance booking recommended. Email cafemayday@gmail.com.

Sunday 15^th, 12 noon. ‘The Romance of Mangoes’: Sohail Hashmi in conversation with Zahoor Siddiqui.

Wednesday 18^th, 6.30 pm.  Anecdotes and Allegories by Gulbadan Begum, a puppet performance by Katkatha. Gulbadan . . . her nephew was Akbar, known to be one of the greatest emperors of India . . . her half-brother was Humayun, who set up Delhi . . . her father was Babur, who journeyed from Kyrgyzstan to set up an empire in Hindustan and make India his home. This performance uses miniature puppets of three and five inches, paper sets, spy cameras, Mughal miniature paintings and shadow puppets in a unique blend. Concept and direction: Anurupa Roy.

Untold Stories from the Margins, a three-day festival of documentary films, curated by Kanishka Prasad.

Friday 20^th, 6.30 pm.  Series of Short Films by Surya Shankar Dash, 98 mins. The films ranging from 1 min to 33 mins deal with stories from a people’s struggle and a people’s own narration of it against corporations like Tata, Posco and Vedanta in Odisha. 

Saturday 21^st, 6.30 pm. Delhi Mumbai Delhi by Saba Dewan, 63 mins. Riya dances in the beer bars of Mumbai to make a living. The documentary follows her from her home in Delhi to Mumbai where hundreds of working class girls come in search of work and a future. Riya’s future is unpredictable and the present is marked with its own difficulties. The police harass her family in Delhi, there is constant pressure from her agent in Mumbai to attract more tips and the work itself is demanding. However, there are other girls to have fun with, there is money to dress well and then there are men… admirers promising the moon. The documentary is an intimate portrait of the everyday in the life of the girls, their agents and their neighbourhoods.

Sunday 22^nd, 6.30 pm.  Izzatnagar Ki Asabhya Betiyaan by Nakul Sawhney, 93 mins. The film looks at the narratives of five young Jat women who have dealt with the strictures of the Khap Panchayat and found ways to resist them.

Friday 27^th, 6.30 pm.  Akhiri Jumme ki Sangat, a series on Hindi/Urdu literature on the last Friday of every month. Manisha Kulshreshta, author of the acclaimed novel Shigaf, will read from her work, followed by a discussion. This series is curated by Sanjeev Kumar and Vibhas Verma.

* We give a grace time of 15 mins after the scheduled time. In any case, both Studio Safdar and May Day are small spaces with limited seating, so best to arrive early.

None of the events are ticketed. We are unable to pay anything to the artists who enrich our lives, unless you contribute. We’ll spread the chadar at the end of the performance. These contributions will be shared 50:50 with the artists.

Studio Safdar has been made possible by hundreds of voluntary donations from across the country and beyond. Please consider making a donation that will help us equip and maintain the space better.

And if you can’t make it for any of these events, do still drop in for books and coffee. The bookstore opens Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — but note that the café will begin serving only at 3.

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.

Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.

23-24 Jun 2012: Char Rang

Jana Natya Manch presents

a play about relationships, about (ir)rationality, about the Delhi Metro, and about literature. A play that presents Tagore as never before!

CHAR RANG
a 'take' on Tagore's novella Chaturanga

23rd and 24th June, 6.30pm

Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur, New Delhi

written by sudhanva deshpande and brijesh | costumes shehla hashmi grewal |original music samar grewal | sound operated by inderjit singh | puppets and live painting shaaz ahmed | lights ambreesh | featuring joyoti roy, komita, sukhesh arora, brijesh, soman, nakul sawhney, nidhi kindra, shankar, moloyashree hashmi | director sudhanva deshpande

"A delicate nuanced play . . . imaginative theatre." – Kavita Nagpal, Asian Age

"The play has a complex structure . . . One of the most evocative parts of the production . . . is the mysterious person standing behind a large transparent frame . . . painting a continuously changing picture. This magically transforming painting becomes an independent expression of the ebb and flow of life on stage." – Shanta Gokhale, Mumbai Mirror

"Captivating" – Deepa Punjani, Mumbai Theatre Guide

 

 

Studio Safdar
2253-E Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008
Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – 'Biyaasi number' – May Day board next to DMS booth.
Email:  studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone: 011 2570 9456.

--
Jana Natya Manch
New Delhi
INDIA
www.jananatyamanch.org

https://www.facebook.com/jananatyamanch

Follow us on Twitter: @jananatyamanch

10 Jun 2012: Nangi Awaazein

Sunday 10th, 6.30 pm. Nangi Awaazein, a play by Dramaco Arts. Saadat Hassan Manto’s story Nangi Awaazein showcases the characters during the partition era and equation between their surroundings, their aspirations and desires triggered fascinating conflicts that have endured with time. Nangi Awaazein, one of Manto’s great short stories, is a very universal story stating the angst of people migrating to metropolitans for their livelihood. Directed by Rajesh Tiwari. Approx.1 hr 10 mins. None of the events are ticketed. We are unable to pay anything to the artists who enrich our lives, unless you contribute. We’ll spread the chadar at the end of the performance. These contributions will be shared 50:50 with the artists. Studio Safdar has been made possible by hundreds of voluntary donations from across the country and beyond. Please consider making a donation that will help us equip and maintain the space better. And if you can’t make it for any of these events, do still drop in for books and coffee. The bookstore opens Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — but note that the café will begin serving only at 3. Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008 Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth. Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com . Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456. Follow more on studiosafdar.jananatyamanch.org

3 Jun 2012: Songs by Harpreet Singh

3 Jun 2012: 6.30 PM: Studio Safdar

Harpreet is an independent musician originally from Kurukshetra, now based in Delhi. A classically trained vocalist, self-taught guitarist, flute maker and flautist, his myriad influences are evident in his eclectic acoustic guitar style and multi-lingual songs. He sings in Punjabi, Hindi and English. Pouring his heart and soul into every song regardless of the size of the audience, he is a truly moving performer of great originality.

For directions and details visit
studiosafdar.jananatyamanch.org

2 Jun 2012: Jan Sanwad -- A musical evening by Surendra Singh Negi

Sat, June 2, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
@ Studio Safdar


Jan Sanwad (Dialoguing with the people) is an album composed by Surendra Singh Negi (Assistant Professor, EFL University, Hyderabad) in which one can find elements of people’s daily life. His renditions, simple in form yet profound in essence, are a melange of the personal and social and they provoke the audience to ponder over some fundamental, stereotypical and societal notions. During these conversations with the masses he questions whether it’s worth it spending their whole life trying to find God or the so called eternal or divine peace. In this process he also seeks to generate communal harmony by challenging the motives of communal hatred perpetrators. The tour de force is the genre the artist has created to achieve the motive. He uses the “traditional” but yes, to question the “traditional”. He employs the “typical” to disengage from it and look at the “atypical” i.e. he does tread the trodden path only to find other different roads. And his music surely helps us glide along.

studiosafdar.jananatyamanch.org

Here is the schedule for June 2012. Exciting fare, do come!

Saturday 2nd, 6.30 pm. ‘Jan Samvad’, songs by Surender Singh Negi (Assistant Professor, EFL University, Hyderabad) in which one can find elements of people’s daily life. His renditions, simple in form yet profound in essence, are a mélange of the personal and social and they provoke the audience to ponder over some fundamental, stereotypical and societal notions.

Sunday 3rd, 6.30 pm. Songs by Harpreet Singh. Harpreet is an independent musician originally from Kurukshetra, now based in Delhi. A classically trained vocalist, self-taught guitarist, flute maker and flautist, his myriad influences are evident in his eclectic acoustic guitar style and multi-lingual songs. He sings in Punjabi, Hindi and English. Pouring his heart and soul into every song regardless of the size of the audience, he is a truly moving performer of great originality.

Sunday 10th, 6.30 pm. Nangi Awaazein, a play by Dramaco Arts. Saadat Hassan Manto’s story Nangi Awaazein showcases the characters during the partition era and equation between their surroundings, their aspirations and desires triggered fascinating conflicts that have endured with time. Nangi Awaazein, one of Manto’s great short stories, is a very universal story stating the angst of people migrating to metropolitans for their livelihood. Directed by Rajesh Tiwari. Approx.1 hr 10 mins.
 

Middle of the Month at May Day. The third weekend of every month, and the Thursday-Friday preceding it. The bookstore will offer special discounts on all books during these 4 days.

Thursday 14th, 6.30 pm. Screening of Gaon Ka Naon Theatre, Mor Naon Habib (‘My Village is Theatre, My name is Habib’) by Sanjay Maharishi and Sudhanva Deshpande. A film about India’s preeminent theatre director, Habib Tanvir and the rural actors of his professional company, Naya Theatre. English subtitles; 73 mins. Filmmakers will be present for discussion. Presented by the Magic Lantern Foundation.

Friday 15th, 6.30 pm. Novelist Githa Hariharan discusses Sadat Hasan Manto’s story Toba Tek Singh. Followed by reading of the story by Brijesh (Jana Natya Manch) and discussion.

Saturday 16th, 5 pm. ‘Women at Work’. A series of conversations with women workers, conceived and conducted by Albeena Shakil. This month, Albeena will speak with Naseem Begum, a home-based piece rate worker. Born in 1960 in the walled city of Delhi, her father was a lock mechanic in Oberoi Hotel. She got married in 1978 and within a month of marriage, her husband threw her down from the second floor of his house over dowry. Pregnant and terrified, Naseem returned to her natal home and remained bedridden for several months. Naseem started doing handicraft work from her home in 1978, specializing in making export quality jewelry. She has been working for over 10-12 hours a day, never earning more than Rs. 25 per day. Since 2008, when the international economic crisis started, the availability of work for Naseem and many others like her has reduced drastically in Old Delhi. Naseem is among the estimated over 8 crore such unrecognized women workers of India who engage in artisanal to more modern varieties of underpaid home based work.

Sunday 17th, 9.30 am. -12 noon. Breakfast at May Day. Buffet with an eat-all-you-can menu. Limited seats. Advance booking recommended. Email cafemayday@gmail.com.

Sunday 17th, 12 noon. A conversation around food. Topic and speakers TBC.

Saturday 23rd, 6.30 pm. Char Rang, a play by Jana Natya Manch. A ‘take’ on Rabindranath Tagore’s novella Chaturanga. A play about relationships, about (ir)rationality, about the Delhi Metro, and about literature. A play that presents Tagore as never before! Designed and directed by Sudhanva Deshpande. 70 mins. Hindustani.

Sunday 24th, 6.30 pm. Char Rang, a play by Jana Natya Manch (see above).

Friday 29th, 6.30 pm. Akhiri Jumme ki Sangat -- A series on Hindi/Urdu literature. Young emerging writer Anuj will read from his work, followed by discussion. Anuj's first short story collection, 'Career, Girlfriend Aur Vidroh' was published by Bharatiya Gyanpeeth.

Saturday 30th, 6.30 pm. Bird’s Eye View, an object theatre performance by TRAM Theatre. The play tells the story of a war pigeon - Milu. From the time of his birth, throughout his training, during the moments spent with his friends and his mate, Milu has a singular over-riding mission hanging over his head – to successfully deliver the message. A story told with objects, drawings and an actor. Directed by Choiti Ghosh. 50 mins. Non-verbal with little English.

 

* We give a grace time of 15 mins after the scheduled time. In any case, both Studio Safdar and May Day are small spaces with limited seating, so best to arrive early.

None of the events are ticketed. We are unable to pay anything to the artists who enrich our lives, unless you contribute. We’ll spread the chadar at the end of the performance. These contributions will be shared 50:50 with the artists.

Studio Safdar has been made possible by hundreds of voluntary donations from across the country and beyond. Please consider making a donation that will help us equip and maintain the space better.
And if you can’t make it for any of these events, do still drop in for books and coffee. The bookstore opens Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — but note that the café will begin serving only at 3.
 

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008
Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur metro – Satyam Cinema – cycle ricksha – ‘Biyaasi number’ – May Day board next to DMS booth.
Email: cafemayday@gmail.com or studiosafdar@gmail.com

. Phone (only on event days): 011 2570 9456.
Follow more on studiosafdar.jananatyamanch.org 

31 May 2012: Landmark production of Satyashodhak, Studio Safdar

May 2012 at Studio Safdar, Shadi Khampur

and May Day Bookstore and Café

Thursday 31st May,  6.30 p.m.

Govind Deshpande’s play Satyashodhak, on the life and work of the nineteenth-century Marathi anti-caste crusader, Jotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai. Produced and acted by the Pune Safai Karmacharis (Sewage and Sanitary Workers) Union, directed by Atul Pethe. This is a landmark production, and has created waves in Maharashtra. 105 mins, followed by 30 mins discussion with the cast and director.

Director’s Note: “Jotiba’s work was far ahead of his time. In G.P. Deshpande’s script I found a reinterpretation of Jotiba’s vision in the modern context. I had the opportunity to watch the life of sewage and sanitary workers from close quarters. They have amazing talent in performing arts.  Their felicity in music – both vocal and instrumental – made me take up this project. This play is the culmination of a six month long workshop I conducted with them.  The manifestation of the collective desire, to bring to life this play on Jotiba’s life, was an extremely creative and enriching experience for all of us. Shaped by this intense process - the play is our statement!”

 

Read more about Satyashodhak

• A counter-hegemonistic discourse in modern India
• Satyashodhak: Portraying an activist in time

 

We give a grace time of 15 mins after the scheduled time. In any case, both Studio Safdar and May Day are small spaces with limited seating, so best to arrive early. | None of the events are ticketed. We are unable to pay anything to the artists who enrich our lives, unless you contribute. We’ll spread the chadar at the end of the performance. These contributions will be shared 50:50 with the artists. | The bookstore opens Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  but note that the café begins serving only at 3.

Studio Safdar and May Day Bookstore and Café

2254/2A Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi 110008

Email: studiosafdar@gmail.com. Phone: 011 2570 9456.

Metro: Shadipur. Directions: Shadipur Metro — Satyam Cinema — Cycle ricksha to ‘Biyaasi number’ — May Day board next to DMS booth.

Visit: studiosafdar.jananatyamanch.org

 

 

 

12 Apr: Invitation: Inauguration of Janam Theatre Space

Dear Friends,

We are really very happy to inform you that the inauguration of Janam’s new space will be on 12^thApril 2012, Safdar’s birthday and National Street Theatre Day at 10:00 am, at our new space 2253-E Shadi khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi-110008 (See directions to reach below in the e-invite).

Actually there are three parts of the space – the terrace for rehearsal; top floor flat as office, library and workshop; and on the ground floor the actual black box theatre space, “STUDIO SAFDAR, Shadi Khampur”.

The rehearsal space will be inaugurated by Kajal Ghosh a long time associate of ours, who was in Janam in the early years; the top floor by veteran trade unionist Comrade Mohanlal of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions who has supported our work for more than thirty years; “STUDIO SAFDAR, Shadi Khampur” by Shubha Mudgal, the eminent singer-musician. 

In the evening at 6:00 pm there will be a more extended cultural programme on the occasion of the inauguration and National Street Theatre Day.

It will be most wonderful if you could join us on the morning and/or evening of Thursday 12 April 2012. 

Your ideas can enrich the space we are envisaging for future.