Surat, Gujarat, Feb 27, Torrent Group-supported UNM Foundation’s “Abhivyakti” brings a Grander and Bigger Third Edition for Surat’s art-admirers.
According to a press release issued by UNM Foundation here today, Surat’s most-awaited art and culture project, “Abhivyakti: The City Arts Project” is back with an expanded duration, and a line-up of dazzling performances in the genres of theatre, dance and music. An initiative by UNM Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Torrent Group’s Mehta Family, Abhivyakti will showcase six performances to the art-loving people of Surat with free entry to the audience.
After receiving overwhelming response to Abhivyakti’s previous two editions from Surat’s art admirers, the third edition is designed to be grander and bigger. The Third Edition will showcase six performances in the genres of theatre, dance and music during the three days starting 28th February 2025 (Friday) to 2nd March 2025 (Sunday).
The performances that will be showcased are selected from the most-admired performances of Abhivyakti’s Edition-6 that was held in Ahmedabad during November-December 2024.
The performances on the first day, i.e. 28th February include Qawwali performance “Mehfil-e-Sama” by Jaymin Vaidhya followed by a humour theatre “Welcome Bhurabhai” by Chetan Daiya. On the second day, i.e. 1st March, the performances will include Experimental Puppet Theatre by Rahul Kanthariya titled “Charan Kanya” and a Fusion Rock music performance “The Palette Of Time” by Mukt Band. The performances on the third day, i.e. 2nd March will include “Borderlands”- a Contemporary dance with classical vocabulary by Jaimil Joshi and “Sangeetkarini Tana Riri”- a Classical Contemporary dance by Khushi Langaliya.
All the performances will be organised at “Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium, Hazira, Surat” and the entry is open to all.
The performances, to be showcased under the theme of “Stories from the Soul”, are curated by eminent art curators in each genre i.e. K Sumant in Music, Chirag Modi in Theatre and Mansi Modi in Dance. The mentors include celebrated names from the field of art – Rajat Dholakia (Music), Saumya Joshi (Theatre) and Kruti Mahesh (Dance).
Since its first edition held in 2018 at Ahmedabad, Abhivyakti has spread its presence beyond Ahmedabad to other cities of Gujarat including Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat. So far, 1979 artists from across India have participated on this platform provided by UNM Foundation and more than 6.19 lakh art lovers have attended these performances as audience.
Abhivyakti’s Third Edition in Surat is part of UNM Foundation’s efforts to promote and showcase various art forms by providing a platform to the emerging artists and enable audiences in different regions, free-of-cost access to art without the constraints of location or economic strata.
Audience entry is open-to-all on first come, first served basis. The programme schedule is as follows:
The introduction of the artists and the acts to be performed:
“Mehfil-e-Sama” Qawwalli by Jaymin Vaidhya, 28th February, 8:00 PM: Jaymin Vaidhya is a graduate of Gujarat University with a silver medal in Music. He has honed his skills through formal training in Indian classical music. Jaymin presents a performance blending the rhythmic improvisation of Sufi music with modern elements by bringing a selection of classic Qawwalis, including compositions “Mai Nizam Se Naina Lagan Aayi Re,” “Chap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re,” and “Dosto Ki Shiqayat Nahi Hai” among others. Taking creative inspiration and referencing Sufi stalwarts, Amir Khusro and Nizamuddin Auliya, Vaidhya promises to deliver an unforgettable experience through Qawwali, leaving the audiences spellbound.
“Welcome Bhurabhai”, Humour theatre by Chetan Daiya, 28th February, 9:30 PM: Chetan Daiya, an actor, writer, and director for the past 20 years, is a well-known name in the Gujarati theatre and film world. He has a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts with a gold medal. Chetan Daiya brings ‘Welcome Bhurabhai’ narrating the story of a corrupt chairman of a deteriorating housing society, seeking personal gains and inviting a foreign friend. To impress his guests, he hides poverty and neglect, embezzling funds for renovations. When caught, he promises a brighter future, but will he succeed?
“Charan Kanya” – Experimental Puppet Theatre by Rahul Kanthariya – 01st March, 8:00 PM”: Rahul Kanthariya, comes from a visual arts background & has been practicing theatre & fine arts since 2009. Rahul brings the concept titled “Charan Kanya” inspired by a poem of the same name by Zaverchand Meghani, one of the foremost authors and poets in the field of Gujarati literature. Rahul’s performance with this Experimental Theatre extends the composition of the poem “Charan Kanya”, breathing new life into its narrative through his own take and innovative expression. Through this, he honours Meghani’s work and bridges traditional literature and experimental theatre.
“The Palette Of Time” – Fusion Rock Music by Mukt Band – 01st March, 9:30 PM: Mukt is an independent music band that was started as a casual pursuit by Udit Bhavsar, Tarun Gagdekar, and Dhaval Yadav. Their music has evolved into a unique blend of styles, reflecting their diverse passions and experiences. They collaborate with unconventional artists from across India, embracing the experimental nature of music. Their focus lies in creating compositions that resonate with the emotions and experiences of both humans and nature. Mukt presents “The Palette Of Time” that blends alternative rock music with live foley. The production explores the parallel between changing seasons and human emotions. By incorporating atmospheric soundscapes, they aim to create an immersive experience that brings the seasons to life.
“Borderlands” – Contemporary dance with classical vocabulary by Jaimil Joshi – 02nd March, 08:00 PM: Coming from folk dance background dating back to his college days, Jaimil believes that dance is a very strong medium of expression that requires little to no words, making it a universal language understood by all. Jaimil brings the concept “Borderlands,” an act where he showcases the versatility of emotions across various borders around the world. While some borders evoke a sense of fear, some evoke the feeling of love and togetherness shared between the people of two countries. His act explores the unspoken connections that transcend physical boundaries. Through different genres of music, his act displays a wide range of emotions, depicting all the shared lives at borders.
“Sangeetkarini Tana Riri” – Classical Contemporary dance by Khushi Langaliya – 2nd March, 09:30 PM: Khushi Langalia is a professional artist with a strong background in Bharatnatyam as an actor, choreographer, and performer. Khushi presents “Sangeetkarini Tana Riri,” a tribute to Tana and
Riri, two historical vocalists from Vadnagar known for their soulful voices and connection to Gujarati musical folklore. Descendants of Narsinh Mehta, they sang the Raag Megh-Malhar to cure Tansen’s (one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar’s court) fever caused by his intense performance of the Raag Deepak. The act highlights the sisters’ commitment to tradition over entertainment, their sacrifice for Vadnagar and their determination to preserve their cultural heritage despite Akbar’s interference.
About Abhivyakti : The City Arts Project: Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project is an endeavor of UNM Foundation of Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, which envisions making art an integral part of the social fabric, by enabling access for audiences without constraint of location, thresholds (physical and individual) and social or economic strata by free entry.
Towards such a vision, the mission is to identify and support budding talent and then provide platform for these artists of all genres to present their craft to the city and its populace.
Abhivyakti encompasses many myriad art forms ranging from dance, music, painting, photography, installations and theatre. Abhivyakti aims at bringing international quality art to the people, absolutely free.