Theatre helps Hyderabadis speak in tongues

This linguistic diversity will be celebrated on International Mother Tongue Day that falls on Friday, which this year also marks the silver jubilee of its observance.

For decades, Hyderabad has been more than just a city; it’s a home for regional languages and the rich traditions they carry. Among the many art forms that nurture this connection, theatre has emerged as a powerful medium. Local and international theatre troupes alike bring native language plays to life, ensuring that every performance feels like a heartfelt homage to cultural roots.

One standout performance was ‘The Rape of Europa, A Movement’, directed by Ashok Kumar Ajmeera and staged by a group of Bangladeshi artists. The play resonated deeply with audiences, as Shreyosree Sarker — a Bangladeshi native studying theatre arts at the University of Hyderabad — explained, “When the performance is in our own mother tongue, every emotion and every gesture carries an extra mile of meaning. The props and costumes reflect our native themes, making us feel truly at home in this city.”

The spirit of native language theatre extends beyond a single performance. Ephrem Joseph of the Malanadu Fine Arts Club, a 52-year-old Malayali institution representing over 600 families in the twin cities, reveals, “Every year we write and direct a drama rooted in our traditions, a bridge connecting our heritage with the younger generation. Even though the theatre scene may have its quiet moments, nurturing our native language through drama keeps our culture vibrant and alive.”

Marathi theatre has also found a thriving stage in Hyderabad, despite being rooted in a non-Maharashtrian state.

Akhilesh Washikar noted, “The Marathi plays here not only entertain but also serve as an effective medium to preserve and promote our language. They capture the nuances of Maharashtrian culture, ensuring that our identity and heritage continue to flourish in a city that celebrates diversity.”

Adding to this rich tapestry, longstanding theatre groups in Kannada, Odia, Tamil, and Bengali continue to make significant contributions. Supryo Basu Thakur, reflecting the sentiments of Hyderabad’s sizeable Bengali community, remarked, “Language is never a barrier in theatre. The emotional depth conveyed through mother tongue dialogues creates a bond that is both powerful and unforgettable.”