Festival – Ankahi. Unsaid.

Putli Bai was faster than a twister, a tornado. I watched her 45 minute performance in Udaipur. Her admirers watched her from a distance, her whirlwind like Ghoomar performance could shock and throw the audience off-balance leaving an indelible memory of that mesmerizingly rhythmic dancer. Every time I look at a Rajasthani folk artist I am reminded of Putli Bai, her big khol-lined eyes, the silver jewellery covering every inch of her skin, the whirling black skirt, the long shining-braid, the red alta-coated soles and dozens of bichiya or toe rings that embellished her toes. This cutester, though, was born in a Chinese village and is still learning the tricks of the trade but I love her action frozen in time. Some friends are special who bring memory-tickling Diwali gifts. Thanks “…”

More like a crowd following Mahatma Gandhi on a march, or dancing figurines, or the characters of a busy play, or the agitating masses on the street. But no, it is none of those. A beam of spotlight created this stippled-shadow image of award trophies on a dark LED screen just before the start of the Closing Ceremony of an amazingly fulfilling theatre festival. Awaiting the award winners, these cold, dark souls had yet to find warm hands and sparkling mantel shelves. The lawns were still being readied, Bacchus had still to land on the bar, promo slides had still to be projected, ‘Hello Mic Testing’ was still echoing, while the guitar lay abandoned like a ditched, heartbroken lover. Amid all this the bright red carpet knew it was going to be a long night of celebrations. Cheers to all those who participated in the Windermere Theatre Festival & Awards and special shout-out to the winners. This one is specially for Dr Brijeshwar Singh and Prabhat Kumar.

23 February – 1 March, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India