Connections Festival to be held from January 16 to 26

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), in association with the National Theatre UK, is about to conclude the third edition of Connections India — a unique theatrical initiative that brings professional theatre experiences directly to the youth of Mumbai. The programme this year, which commenced in August, 2024, and will reach its culmination in January, 2025, continues in its mission to unlock the creative potential of young minds from various schools and allows them to thrive in a collective creative platform. This year, 16 schools, colleges, and NGOs across Mumbai will perform plays commissioned by the National Theatre UK as well as the NCPA. For the first time two plays written by Indian playwrights are a part of the line-up. The plays cover a wide variety of topics, from grief and anxiety to success and climate change. Under the expert guidance of industry professionals, students have gained hands-on acting experience. Professional theatre directors worked with students of each institution, providing feedback and leading the students through the rehearsal and performance process. Teachers from each school and college also supervised rehearsals and helped students gain the confidence to perform in a public setting. Throughout the programme, students and teachers participated in workshops by leading theatre practitioners to enhance their acting, voice, and technical knowhow. Connections India will culminate in the Connections Festival, to be held between January 16 and 26, where each school gets to perform their play at the Experimental Theatre at the NCPA.