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Set against the picturesque backdrop of Goa, the annual Serendipity Arts Festival is a captivating and eagerly anticipated celebration in India's artistic and cultural calendar. Presented by the Serendipity Arts Foundation, a non-profit organisation, the festival is a dynamic platform aimed at revitalising arts production, fostering awareness, and embracing artistic practices across South Asia.
This year, the foundation is broadening the reach of its annual interdisciplinary festival to the local community in Goa through its flagship outreach initiative, 'Out and About.' It is set to bring performances, immersive workshops, and plays to old Goan homes, community centres, government schools, old age homes, and orphanages.
The Serendipity 'Out and About' initiative is divided into two phases. It seeks to bring performances, workshops, and discussions from various locations to the residents of Goa, providing a personalised experience and fostering a deeper connection with the community beyond the festival. Theatre maker and art-based educator Sananda Mukhopadhyaya curates programming for children at government schools and orphanages, and Quasar Thakore Padamsee has brought together the curation of performances and plays.
The initial phase is scheduled from July 25 to August 5, showcasing a Lavani performance open to the public on August 4 and 5. The second phase will be held from September 12 to 17. All events will be open to the public.
“‘Serendipity Out and About’ embodies our mission as a not-for-profit organisation to make art accessible and inclusive for all–not just those in Panjim, but also across the state, creating impact at the grassroots. By bringing intimate performances to community centres and schools across the state, we are nurturing creativity beyond traditional festival boundaries,” says Smriti Rajgarhia, Director, Serendipity Arts Festival and Foundation.
"This initiative isn't just about showcasing art; it's about weaving it into the fabric of everyday life, inspiring young minds from all backgrounds. Our aim is to spread the transformative power of art to every corner of Goa, ensuring that creativity becomes a vital part of our community, not just a once-a-year event," Rajgarhia adds.
Lavani Ke Rang, presented by B Spot Productions, is scheduled for August 4 and 5, 2024. The event will take place at Bastora Panchayat and Community Hall on August 4, and at Piedade Youth Association, Divar Island on August 5. The show will offer insight into the lives of traditional Sangeet Bari Lavani artists from the perspective of a veteran Lavani theatre malkin at community centres. This public show celebrates the various colours of life and features mesmerising Lavani performances by traditional Sangeet Bari artists from matriarchal communities.
The 35-minute play ‘Sa Pa Re Sa Pa Sa’, commissioned by Serendipity Arts Foundation and directed by Tiny Tales Theatre Company, revolves around a household thrown into turmoil by the unexpected presence of a cobra. The play in Marathi will be presented at orphanage and schools and is mentored by Mukhopadhyaya.
“Our programme will feature a dynamic mix of children's theatre and art workshops, providing a platform for self-expression and creative exploration. My hope is to ignite the spark of curiosity and wonder in every child we engage with, fostering a love for the arts that may last a lifetime. I am also excited about the potential of ‘Out and About’ to create lasting memories and positive change, and we are committed to making many more such interventions in the future,” said Mukhopadhyaya.
An assortment of interesting plays such as Machher Jhol, Gubu Gubu and Hanv Gara Asa will be showcased, in addition to a series of engaging workshops that are aimed to propel children to move, draw and observe their everyday reality through an artistic lens.
“The Serendipity Out and About Project is very special to us. It allows us to bring activities to places that would not ordinarily be able to come to the festival. Last year, it was a small initiative to take work to people’s homes outside of Panjim. This year, it is almost like a second mini-festival. We are very excited to extend the Serendipity Arts Programme beyond just the festival dates,” says Quasar Thakore Padamsee.
The performances, along with the accompanying programming, are designed to cater to specific audiences. Because the performances take place in a different space, it adds another dimension to the viewing experience. With 'Out and About,' the Foundation is furthering its commitment to making the Festival accessible to people from all walks of life.
