Prithvi Theatre is delighted to partner with TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), to present "Chai and Why?" - a monthly forum to enable informal discussions of interesting scientific issues outside a traditional academic setting.

Building on the format of the popular "Cafe Scientifique" in Europe and "Science Cafes" in the US, Chai and Why? aims to engage people who are interested in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their views, and ask questions with someone "in the know". Chai and Why? aims to be informal and accessible - much more so than a public lecture. With a casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation we want to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background, so that anyone can participate. We welcome suggestions from the audience about topics that you would like to have discussed.

Creativity. For us at Prithvi, that is clear. We want to explore that connection - enjoy the light bulb going off in our heads in different ways, and see where it takes us. We also think an engagement with science will open up windows of understanding into many of the present and future concerns of today's world - an understanding crucial to theatre practice.

Chai and Why? starts with a very short talk from the speaker, who is usually a scientist, to introduce the topic. After this there is usually a short break to allow discussions, chai (of course) and conversations to start. This is followed by an hour or so of questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question, and we positively welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.

A celebration of the need to share the written word in a performative way, a function that fits seamlessly into the traditions of Prithvi Theatre. Conducted by the literary organisation PEN at Prithvi House, where people interested in the written word can gather to read/share/discuss texts from all genres, in an atmosphere of informed and engaging conviviality.
Key organizers: Sampurna Chattarji, Ranjit Hoskote

The hope is that over time, and though various forms, [email protected] is a place where the ethos of community meets the ethics of writing in an increasingly beleaguered world.

The PEN All-India Centre and Prithvi Theatre began a joint initiative - [email protected] - on April 15th, 2006. A monthly session, it is conducted by the Indian members of the PEN (an international association of writers). The idea is to provide a space where people can gather to read/share/discuss the written word, in all its varied avatars, across languages, across genres. Here is a literary platform that follows an in-depth and interactive approach, and explores a new synergy of writers, readers and listeners.

With a view to promoting the PEN ideals of freedom of expression and literature as common currency among nations, the sessions are thematically structured. Chosen topics and texts are those that provoke intellectual discussion, resist and/or court controversy/censorship, break new ground in theory or practice, celebrate the spirit of inquiry, are seminal to our understanding of other cultures, are inventive and innovative in the pursuit of language and so on. In the last twelve sessions, topics have ranged from 'Degrees of Freedom' to 'Deciphering the City', from 'Everyday History' to 'Myths are Public Dreams'. The formats have varied from the reading to the panel discussion, from the formal presentation of papers to the heated debate. Speakers and presenters have included Naresh Fernandes (editor, writer), Nishtha Jain (filmmaker), Altaf Tyrewala (novelist), Tenzin Tsundue (poet, activist), Anand Thakore (Hindustani musician, poet), Abhigyan Jha (filmmaker), Naved Aslam (actor, writer), Amrita Shah (journalist, biographer), Anju Makhija (poet, playwright, translator), Chandrahas Choudhury (writer, blogger), Daryl D'Monte (journalist, activist) to name just a few.

Contact: [email protected]

Mehfil is the Urdu word for a gathering, and at Prithvi Theatre, it is coming home as a gathering of those who have loved, are starting to love, or want to fall in love with Urdu - where one can discover and celebrate the language and its literature.

[email protected] is being led by a team of Urdu lovers, Jameel Gulrays and Rekha Rao – “Katha Kathan”.

There was a time when the common spoken language was Hindustani, and there was no barbed wire fencing off Urdu from Hindi. Some of our best-loved writers and musicians have used the language to create what we claim as our popular cultural legacy. Few of us have remained untouched by it and we continue to soak in the magic of its poetry through Sufi music, romantic ghazals, qawwalis, or old film dialogues. A sprinkling of Urdu stills soften our lips as we hum a popular film song, so what if we don't know our zulf from our gesu, or the different meanings contained in the word sanam?

We do want to know, however, and [email protected] hopes to turn into a space where people can appreciate the language and its literature, where Urdu becomes more accessible to people of all ages. [email protected] will gather once a month at the Prithvi Adda and will discuss all things Urdu, ranging from the war-camps and bazaars that gave birth to the language, - to Gulzar. We will try to pronounce the ghs and the khs, and we will meet singers, poets and lyricists who have carried this beautiful language into a slightly bewildered new millennium.

Through 'open house' discussions, readings, music and film, we hope that a new generation will rediscover a part of our heritage.

Through a selection of films and adaptations, Alliance Francaise de Bombay proposes a voyage into the heart of French classics with cycles on the great French directors, theatre, cinema and literature.

A collaboration between Prithvi Theatre and Alliance Francaise de Bombay that began in 2011.

Established in Mumbai in 1938, the Alliance Francaise de Bombay has evolved in sync with the geographical and cultural expansion of the city, by opening no less than seven new centres in 'Maximum City', yet preserving its headquarters in south Mumbai, the historical and administrative heart of the city. Collaborating closely with the other prestigious cultural centres, it promotes cultural exchanges between France and India, initiates a dialogue of ideas and debates through contemporary creation that is accessible to all: your gateway into Europe, French speaking countries and their cultures.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Please check our website http://bombay.afindia.org/home

Prithvi Theatre's intimate and acoustically wonderful space is also ideal for Classical music, both vocal and instrumental. 

A monthly concert series by members of the Symphony Orchestra of India and guest artists.

Each month [email protected] will present a different ensemble and performance—trios, quartets, quintets, solo recitals, vocal recitals, chamber orchestras, and more—allowing audiences to experience a wide range of varied repertoire. In 2013, during Prithvi Festival, members of the Symphony Orchestra of India presented the first ever performance of western classical music at Prithvi Theatre. The reaction from the audience, as well as the performers, was very encouraging, and lead to a monthly concert series, which was launched during Prithvi Festival 2014. Prithvi shares the NCPA & the SOI’s mission of promoting the arts and making them accessible to the widest possible audience. Furthermore, Prithvi Theatre’s superb acoustics and the intimate nature of the venue make it an ideal space for chamber music and performances by small ensembles. 

Theatre & Workshops by the youth for the youth. As part of our efforts to promote Youth Theatre, we present Thespo at Prithvi, where young theatre enthusiasts will get an opportunity to perform on the Prithvi stage.

Breaking new ground, the stalwarts of Indian theatre and the new blood get together to give youth theatre a shot in the [email protected] !!!

As part of our efforts to promote Youth Theatre, we introduce Thespo at Prithvi on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, beginning from March, where young theatre-wallahs will get an opportunity to perform on the Prithvi stage.

In 1999, Theatre Group Bombay (TG) approached Q Theatre Productions (QTP) to showcase younger theatre groups in a vibrant festive atmosphere and thus 'Thespo' was born. Thespo was created to give young performers an opportunity to hone their talents on a simulated professional stage. Through Thespo, TG and QTP hope to recognize and encourage new talent as well as create a new generation of theatre goers.

Join us as we explore the stage anew with loads of cutting edge youth theatre, platform performances and workshops conducted by the who's who in theatre.

[email protected]... it's not just on. It's full-on!!!

Celebrating the art of documentary, we screen a selection of documentaries and short films followed by a Q&A with the director or people familiar with the theme of the film.

A collaboration between Prithvi Theatre and Vikalp: 'Films for Freedom', which began in February 2007.

Join the [email protected] group on Facebook for updates. Or email [email protected] to receive monthly mailers.

Documentary filmmakers have borne the brunt of censorship, as was seen during the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2004. The then government knew that films on the Gujarat genocide and several others could embarrass it on an international stage, and censor certificates were suddenly made mandatory for Indian films. After filmmakers threatened to boycott MIFF, official censorship was withdrawn but a dubious selection procedure excluded some of the best new Indian films on communalism, caste, gender, sexuality and the environment. In response, Vikalp: Films for Freedom was born.

A collective of a large number of filmmakers was formed and the 'rejected' films were screened right across from the MIFF venue, while several filmmakers withdrew their films from MIFF and screened them at Vikalp, drawing packed houses everyday.

Vikalp believes that an assault on the freedom of expression is an assault on democracy itself. It has now transformed itself from a parallel festival into a movement. In Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and elsewhere, film screenings take place, some in the name of Vikalp, many with other names. Vikalp, in other words, is an uncopyrighted idea, an inspiration rather than an institution.

No microphones! No amplification!
Prithvi Theatre's intimate and acoustically wonderful space is also ideal for Classical music, both vocal and instrumental.

[email protected] is a rare and truly unique acoustic experience of Indian Classical Music in the manner it was originally designed, for an intimate Baithak.

Based on the 8 Prahars (time spans) of the day, this Indian Classical Music concert features both Instrumental And Vocal performances of morning ragas of the 2nd Prahar performed by various artistes

Udaysw[email protected] by Pancham Nishad is brought to you by Bank of Baroda

Louiz Banks presents a Jazz concert series featuring renowned and upcoming Indian Jazz Musicians performing their original compositions.

Curated by Gino Banks, the Sunday Brunch Concerts are an experience unlike any other thanks to the intimacy and the inimitable, pure and raw acoustics of the iconic Prithvi Theatre.

We are pleased to tie-up with MEDIA TRIBE, in which their students get to learn and experience the art of recording the “room” acoustically, to capture the live experience in our Theatre.

The Media Tribe is an award-winning media arts institute currently offering courses in sound engineering and music production. 

The objective of The Media Tribe is to raise the bar of education in the music and entertainment sector in India.

We have the VISION, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE to help one fulfil their dreams in the music industry.

We are the only institute to produce

• Grammy Winner - Lionel Crasta - Alive - Rufus Du Sol
• Mirchi Award Winner - Abhijeet Srivastava for Chashni (Bharat) - Vocals
• Indian Recording Arts Academy Award - Aman Arakh - Maana Ke (Gumaan) -Saby Singh

The Institute was founded by Ashish Manchanda (4-time IRAA award winner, world-class sound engineer and music producer, a protege of multi-Grammy Winning Engineer/Producer of Michael Jackson records, Bruce Swedien )and Ujjla Manchanda.

Aman Moroney is a Music Producer/Songwriter/Engineer currently based in Los Angeles, USA - Principal Faculty at The Media Tribe and Vice President, He is the lead music producer at Flying Carpet ProductionsRecord Labels at Boon Castle Media & Entertainment.

Welcome to Storytelling@ Prithvi, a joint initiative of Prithvi and certified storyteller Maulshree Kalothia, that aims at reviving the joy of telling and listening to stories. Maulshree is a child at heart and enjoys "all things children".

Stories have always captured children's imagination and storytelling has been one of the oldest and surest way of putting a smile on a child's face. It is also a proven method of developing their creativity and imagination.

Sessions are held once a month, usually on a Sunday morning at 11am, and are about 1:15 mins long. There are two stories, one primarily chosen for 3-5 year olds and the other story chosen for 5-8 year olds. However, as all we know a story well-told can fascinate one and all!

Our annual celebration of theatre and the performing arts. First held in 1983, the Prithvi Festival has become an annual event in the Mumbai calendar. The Prithvi Festival seeks to explore and celebrate the performing arts in its diversity - local, national, international; old traditions, new forms, cross-currents - and to share this joy with our audiences.

The focus of the Festival varies from year to year - in the past, festivals have focused on :

• Local Mumbai groups,
• Indian Theatre - showcasing groups from across India
• World Theatre - featured international groups

Some festivals have also been theme based - the 2007 Festival was Mumbai Musicals, while the 2006 Festival, celebrating Prithviraj Kapoor's birth centenary, took as its theme his theatre company's motto - Kala Desh Ki Seva Mein - and invited groups from across India which sought to deal with contemporary socio-political issues in their work. More recently the Prithvi Festival has been the curator of premiering content providing a spotlight for performing artists.

The Festival has also included exhibitions on theatre personalities and movements:

• 2004 exhibition on Habib Tanvir and Naya Theatre
• 2006 exhibition on Prithviraj Kapoor & Prithvi Theatres
• 2008 exhibition on Satyadev Dubey
• 2018 exhibition on Prithvi Theatre’s 40th anniversary

As part of the 2nd Prithvi Festival in 1985, Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma performed to a spellbound audience on the 28th of February. The experience of hearing the Suntoor and Tabla up close, un-amplified in their acoustic purity was a rare and amazing experience, bringing alive the traditional 'baithak' concert.

Since 1985 Ustad Zakir Hussain has kept his 'date' with Prithvi Theatre - by personally designing magical evenings of musical encounters at Prithvi on the 28th of February, every year.

Over the years, these evenings have included amazing line-ups of musical legends and young aspiring musicians, both national and international, across genres of classical, fusion, jazz and folk.

Prithvi focuses an entire Season for children during the Summer Holidays with various activities for the young between the ages of 3 to 100yrs!!!!

Plays for children are programmed every day of the week during the Season as well as workshops which are designed to expose and encourage children in all aspects of the arts and creativity.

Held since 1991 the idea is to develop a future audience for theatre and unleash creativity in the youth.