Harika Vedula's Vision for Manam Theatre Festival: Building Community through Theatre
Last year, Harika Vedula, the founder of Manam Theatre Festival, embarked on an experiment to bring the community together through theatre. The first edition was a resounding success, leaving audiences craving more. As the second edition approaches, Harika reflects on the learnings from the previous year and shares her vision for this year’s festival.
“The first edition was an experiment to see if there was an audience for theatre in Hyderabad,” Harika begins. “We were toddlers, figuring out what we were doing, but the response was overwhelming. People wanted more,” she adds. This year, Harika and her team have refined their approach, making the messaging clearer and more specific. “We have made it very clear what each event entails – panel discussions, plays, workshops – so audiences know what to expect.”
Shikaar Patchworks Ensemble (Photo by arrangement)
The second edition of the Manam Theatre Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and diversity, with a lineup that showcases the best of Indian and international theatre. The festival kicks off on November 15 and runs for a month, featuring productions in multiple languages, workshops, and panel discussions. Harika emphasizes the importance of engagement and community building. “It’s not just about watching a show; it’s about connecting with the people involved.”
This year’s theme for the Manam Theatre Festival, “Together We Belong,” reflects Harika’s vision for the festival. “It’s about understanding that community is essential to creativity and growth. Together, we create, grow, and play,” she says. The festival’s diverse lineup embodies this spirit, with productions like ‘Project Darling’, ‘Nidravatwam’, and ‘Urmila’ exploring themes of identity, community, and social responsibility.
Mister Jeejeebhoy and the Birds Gillo (Photo by arrangement)
International performers like Rodrigo Calderon and Gillo Repertory will share their expertise through workshops and performances. Patchworks Ensemble from Mumbai will present their original plays, The ‘Gentleman’s Club’ and ‘Shikaar’. The festival will also feature collaborations with the Hyderabad Children’s Theatre Festival, highlighting the importance of theatre for young audiences.
Harika acknowledges the challenges of managing a month-long festival but believes it’s essential for making an impact in a city like Hyderabad. “If it’s not that long and that big, maybe it won’t make a difference,” she says.
The Ghost of the Mountains--Gillo on the go (Photo by arrangement)
As the founder of the We Us Collective, Harika’s vision extends beyond the festival. “We are creating safe learning environments in different areas of the arts, bringing the community together.” Her journey as an actor and director has informed her approach to the festival. “I wish I had someone to guide me 10 years ago. Now, I am trying to give back in a way that I would have liked.”
The second edition of the Manam Theatre Festival promises to be a groundbreaking event, cementing Hyderabad’s position as a hub for vibrant and inclusive theatre. As Harika puts it, “If it’s Manam Theatre Festival, you belong here.”