Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], November 23: The curtains rose on the Indian debut of the DASTAK Theatre and Short Film Festival, inaugurated by Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Patron and Chief Guest of the event. Held at the Distillery in Alembic City Art District, Vadodara, the festival promises three days of impactful storytelling, cultural exchange, and creative expression, featuring award-winning plays, short films, and engaging performances by artists from India and Singapore.

At the inauguration, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad highlighted the festival’s importance in using art to address critical issues. “DASTAK is more than a festival; it is a movement that brings together the power of storytelling and the richness of cultural heritage to inspire meaningful change. Vadodara, with its legacy of fostering creativity, is the perfect home for this endeavor,” she said.

Shalaka Ranadive, Founder of WeCanDoIt and Curator of DASTAK, added: “DASTAK was born out of the desire to create a platform for powerful narratives that cross borders and inspire thought and action. With its debut in Vadodara, we are thrilled to see this festival evolve as a space where artistic expression meets purpose. The inclusion of vibrant local talents alongside renowned productions truly embodies the spirit of collaboration.”

A Vibrant Three-Day Celebration

DASTAK 2024 promises attendees an engaging, multi-faceted experience that celebrates the intersection of storytelling, culture, and social impact:

• Daily Theatre Performances: Each day features five specially curated 20-minute plays by acclaimed directors from Singapore and India, showcasing diverse storytelling traditions.
• Short Film Screenings: A daily lineup of short films from both countries, offering a rich visual treat.
• Panel Discussions and Dialogues: Interactive sessions with celebrated filmmakers and theatre directors, fostering insightful exchanges.
• Workshops: Industry experts conduct hands-on workshops in filmmaking and theatre, providing participants an opportunity to enhance their skills.
• Outdoor Performances: Artists from MSU Student Production bring the festival to life with vibrant outdoor performances across all three days, including drama, stand-up comedy, and dance.
• Interactive Pop-ups: Dynamic cultural activities enrich the festival atmosphere, engaging audiences in unique ways.

In the lead-up to the event, DASTAK 2024 has actively engaged the community through script curation, jury-selected plays and films, and short filmmaking workshops in schools and colleges across Gujarat. This holistic approach ensures a meaningful and inclusive experience for all.

Uniting Creative Talent

The festival is curated by WeCanDoIt, a Singapore-based theatre company led by Shalaka Ranadive, in collaboration with Vadodara’s Page to Stage and 3 Peepul Productions. Together, they bring unparalleled expertise and passion to deliver a memorable festival experience.

DASTAK 2024 offers an extraordinary celebration of art and purpose, where theatre and film intersect to create social impact and foster cultural dialogue. The festival runs until November 24, with tickets available on BookMyShow. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event.

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