Theatre, talks & tunes: Your guide to unmissable weekend in Ahmedabad

With a nip in the air, this November weekend brings a lineup of soul-stirring performances, thought-provoking talks, laughter-filled nights and musical magic — your calendar is brimming with experiences to enjoy!

1. Event: Talk: Herstories of the women visible and invisible

This lecture by Dr Aparna Roy Baliga brings forth the discourse of the idea of gendered indigenous modernism of early 20thc. Bengal focusing on the early 20thc. women artists and designers. The idea is not to write them back in history but to understand the construal of women in the art practices. 

It centres around the narratives that went into the making of these art thinkers. It is an attempt to bring forth the stories of absences of these women and draw the intertwining design history which is also aligned to these gendered spaces of modernism.

Dr. Aparna Roy Baliga is an Art historian, translator and curator who is interested in areas of Gender and Sexuality, Indian Aesthetics, Contemporary art practices and design histories. She presently teaches in the Department of Art History and Aesthetics, Faculty of Fine Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

When: Nov 7 (6 to 7.30 pm)

Where: Lecture Hall, L D Museum

2. Event: Presentation: Rameshta - A Tribute to Ramesh Parekh

It is an attempt to explore the lesser-known side of poet Ramesh Parekh’s literary world — through the reading and appreciation of his poems born out of deep engagement with social concerns, reformist thought, and rational reflection. These poems illuminate themes such as anti-war sentiments, communal riots, pandemics, and the horrors of social injustice.

Concept and Presentation: Parixit, Meghna, and Mukesh

When: Nov 7 (7 pm)

Where: Scrapyard-The Theatre, Paldi

3. Event: Hindi play: Humare Ram

Humare Ram is a monumental theatrical production that has captivated audiences across India with its innovative portrayal of the epic Ramayana. Since its premiere, the play has successfully staged over 200 performances in more than 20 cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, attracting an audience exceeding 500,000 attendees. 

Prestigious venues such as the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Siri Fort Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA have hosted this grand spectacle, underscoring its widespread acclaim.

The production features a stellar ensemble cast, with Ashutosh Rana portraying the iconic role of Ravan, Rahull R Bhuchar as Prabhu Shree Ram, Danish Akhtar as Lord Hanuman, Tarun Khanna as Lord Shiva, Harleen Kaur Rekhi as Mata Sita, and Karan Sharma as Surya Deva. The original soundtrack is enriched by compositions from celebrated artists such as Ashutosh Rana, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, and Kailash Kher, elevating the theatrical experience to a grand musical spectacle.

When: Nov 8 (3.30 pm and 8 pm)

Where: Auda auditorium, Shela

4. Event: Gujarati play: Clean Bold-The Roar of Vijee

'Clean Bold' is a verbal storm, a theatrical uppercut, and a daring satire on patriarchy, powered by the crackling wit of one unforgettable woman: Vijee.

She’s the woman society warned you about — a rebel forged in the fires of pain, abuse, and defiance. Vijee has had enough of the world built by men, and she’s here to strike back.

With unapologetic rage and razor-sharp humour, she rips apart the myths that glorify male dominance — from fairy tales to holy texts, from Freud’s theories to modern-day politics.

Inspired by Valerie Solanas’ radical SCUM Manifesto (1967), Clean Bold gives voice to the silenced, challenges the sacred, and laughs in the face of fear.

Writer: Khevana Desai

Concept: Babu Suthar

Director: Manoj Shah

Performed by: Disha Savla Upadhyay

Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi & Gujlish

When: Nov 8 (8.30 to 10 pm)

Where: Scrapyard-The Theatre, Paldi

5. Event: Storytelling: The Bakwaas Show by Anamika Joshi

This performance is all about bringing truth, laughter, and feelings that stay. Anamika Joshi, popularly known as ‘Batto’, is a celebrated poet whose verses have touched hearts worldwide. Known for impactful poems like ‘Maa Tum Bhi Galat Ho Sakti’ Ho and ‘Akhir Tum Hote Kaun Ho, Batto’s words resonate across ages and cultures. 

When: Nov 8 (8 to 9.30 pm)

Where: Prayogshala, Ashram Road

6. Event: Exhibition: Bukhara – A Journey on the Silk Road

Bukhara – A Journey on the Silk Road is an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the vibrant textile traditions of 19th-century Central Asia. Featuring rare suzani embroideries and ikat fabrics, this collection reflects the rich cultural legacy of the Silk Route, drawing influences from Mughal India, Persia, China, and the Ottoman Empire.

This curated collection of approximately 50 pieces has been assembled over decades by David and Mandeep Housego and offers a rare glimpse into the artistic brilliance of Bukhara’s textile heritage.

When: Nov 9 to 30 (10 am to 5 pm)  

Where: Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, Shahibaug

7. Event: Concert: Rekha Bhardwaj

Ahmedabad, get ready for an enchanting evening with the soulful Rekha Bhardwaj, India’s celebrated voice known for her spellbinding blend of Sufi, Ghazal, and Bollywood. A National Award and Filmfare Award winner, Rekha has given us unforgettable melodies like Namak Ishq Ka, Kabira, Darling, and Sasural Genda Phool.

When: Nov 9 (8 pm)

Where: Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre

8. Event: Comedy: Vipul Goyal

Vipul Goyal, who starred in TVF’s Humorously Yours is coming to Ahmedabad for a LIVE standup. Goyal with his trove of relatable jokes and cult-y punchlines will have you laughing like a hyena.

When: Nov 9 (9 pm)

Where: HK Hall, Ellisbridge