Unwind with theatre, storytelling and art before garba sets in Ahmedabad

Catch films, plays, storytelling sessions, and art shows lighting up the city this weekend in Ahmedabad. Here's the list of events:

Films: Umbro by Prachee Bajnia and Log Kya Kahenge by Rafina Khatun

Imprints showcase films, stories, and conversations that explore interconnected gendered experiences, celebrating diverse desires, resistances, and solidarities. Developed through the Rough Edges Unicode Fellowships, these works reflect on patriarchies, intersecting identities, and the politics of framing women’s everyday lives.

Prachee Bajania is a filmmaker, editor, and writer based in Gujarat. An alumna of NID Ahmedabad and the FTII, Pune, she has been making films since 2011. Her most recent film, Umbro (The Threshold), won the ReelFocus Award for Best Documentary at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival and Second Best Film, Short Documentary at the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, 2024.

Rafina Khatun is a filmmaker and editor committed to amplifying women’s voices through her work. A Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Calcutta University, she has collaborated with noted filmmakers and created her debut film ‘A Journey to Home’ under the Third Eye Fellowship by Nirantar Trust. She has worked with Drishti in Ahmedabad and is currently pursuing editing at SRFTI.

When: Sept 19 (6.30 pm)

Where: 2G, Arthshila, Panjrapol

Hindi play: Lolita

​Set in a lively atmosphere of evergreen school days, Lolita is a fresh take on perception and how it plays across in society. A curious bunch of high school boys - old enough to know better - seem to know something about a girl. A girl who is a bit more mature compared to her age, a bit more bold & outgoing and a bit more frank… What happens when one of the boys finally decides to talk to her and get to know her is what the play is all about!

​When: Sept 20 (8.30 pm)

Where: Prayogshala, Ashram Road

Play: Krishna Leela

This play brings to life the timeless story of Lord Krishna, from his miraculous birth to the fall of Kans, through theatre, live music, expressive dance, and rich narration in a two-hour immersive stage experience.

​When: Sept 20 (4 to 7 pm)

Where: Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, Ashram Road

​Storytelling: Mohabbat Zindabaad

​Artist Jai Singh says, “I perform a story about my life experiences spanning over a decade. A story of Mohabbat, of brothers, of friends, of parents, and even grandparents. The show will feel like a warm hug one moment and a ton of bricks in the next; a complete roller coaster of emotions.”

​When: Sept 21 (3 pm)

Where: H K Hall, Ashram Road

Exhibition: Temples to Treeline

Temples to Treeline is an art exhibition of the creations of Forena Shah. It is inspired by sacred history and the scenery.

When: Until Sept 21 (4 to 8 pm)

Where: Amdavad ni Gufa, Navrangpura

Exhibition: Paintings by Satish Chauhan

Deeply inspired by his father, Nagjibhai's artistic legacy, Satishbhai N Chauhan has dedicated his life to art. From a young age, his passion for sketching and drawing was evident. He has since become a master of multiple media, including pencils, Indian ink, Chinese ink, and watercolors. His distinctive technique evolves from initial free-flowing scribbles to exquisitely intricate and detailed final works.

​When: Until Sept 23

Where: 6/A, 1st floor, Mukhote Art Gallery, Naranpura