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Fri, 21 AugAn intimate dialogue between Indian rhythmic traditions, jazz improvisation, and ambient electronic textures with Jelle Roozenburg (guitar) and Tarang Poddar (tabla, percussion). For ages 18+
Sat, 22 AugA group of first-time and returning performers take the stage with a set of short plays - the result of a few rehearsals and the thrill of sharing them live. For ages 18+

Dastan-e-Akhtari - Yusra Naqvi & Kafeel Jafri
Storyteller Kafeel Jafri and vocalist Yusra Naqvi blended Dastangoi and live music to retrace Begum Akhtar's journey - her struggles, friendships, and triumphs - offering a portrait of the artist as a woman who sang her way to dignity.
28 November 2025
In Dastan-e-Akhtari, theatre artist and storyteller Kafeel Jafri joined vocalist Yusra Naqvi to bring alive the extraordinary life of ghazal icon Begum Akhtar, tracing her rise from the margins of a courtesan household to the heights of Hindustani classical music.
A Dastangoi-style performance blending narrative and live music, the piece unfolded through spoken word, song, and anecdotes. Yusra's renditions of Begum Akhtar's ghazals, thumris, and dadras punctuated Kafeel's narration, creating a seamless weave of story and sur. The performance was accompanied by live tabla, harmonium and sarangi.