d.r.i.f.t.

DRIFT Reads: Session XV (Original Writings)
2018-08-16 17:30 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Blossoms Village Resort, Khanyara Road Sidhpur, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents
d.r.i.f.t. Reads: Session XV
.
Dharamshala/Dhasa/D-town- A place that isn’t just the epitome of enchanting beauty and vastness but also a place that has its arms wide open to a variety of people from all walks of life, from all over the world; all kinds of different bubbles somehow merging into one. d.r.i.f.t. Reads: Session XV this time is dedicated to just this coming together of people, communities.etc, in the form of how they express themselves through words. We present to you a carefully curated list of poems, essays, short stories and more, in different languages, written and performed by the residents of our lovely mountain town, Dharamshala.
We are overjoyed at the prospect of doing this at none other than the most scenic Blossoms Village Resort that in its own way is also celebrating the joy of being a Dharamshalite- Himachali Food Festival. Yes! Along with attending our reading you can also look forward to a mouth watering spread of authentic Himachali Cuisine(Dham) at the Venue.
We at d.r.i.f.t. are looking forward to see you enjoy both Local writings and Local Cuisine with us on the 16th August.
.
For Further details on Himachali Food Festival Contact Blossoms Village Resort, Sidhpur.

DRIFT Reads: Session XVI (Queer Writings)
2018-10-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Illiterati Books & Coffee, Jogiwara Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219, 176219, India
In a world where a major population is constantly struggling for their identity and sexuality and who they must love, India has recently made a breakthrough with the abolishment of the Section 377 which was formed to criminalise homosexual conduct and challenge sexual choices and identities. We are pleased to bring to you- in celebration of this event- our next reading session which is an ode to “Queer Writings”. We have carefuly curated pieces from age old as well as contemporary literature about all kinds of various expressions of Queer Love.
We are reading from Authors such as Ismat Chughtai, DhruboJyoti, Akhil Khatyal, Nadika Nadia, Jeanette Winterson and more.
Come listen to us, ask us questions, participate in a dailogue, all at our favourite Illiterati Books & Coffee on Sunday, 5pm, with a warm fire to keep us company and the mighty Dhauladhars looking upon us.
We look forward to seeing you

DRIFT Reads: KANGRA FOLK TALES(Performed Reading)
2018-11-25 17:00 - 18:00 | The Dhauladhar Hotel, Dharamsala, Major District Road 45, Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216, India
haramshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre & Trigarth Festival presents
d.r.i.f.t. Reads: Kangra Folk Tales (Performed Reading)
.
For the first time after a really long time, we’re bringing to you a set of Performed readings on the topic of our lovely District Kangra. Tales from our surrounding mountains, villages, etc. Tales of birds and rain, of bears and lions, of Kings and their kingdoms.
Come watch us perform these interesting stories at the Conference room of the lovely Dhauladhar Hotel on Sunday at Sunset (5pm onwards).
.
We hope to see all the old faces and hopefully lots of new ones too
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is first come first serve basis. Only 50 people can be seated.

DRIFT Reads: Session XVIII (Winter Tales)
2019-02-02 16:30 - 20:00 | Blossoms Village Resort, Khanyara Road Sidhpur, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents
d.r.i.f.t. Reads: Session XVIII
.
We’re back from our Festive break and breaking into the new year with 2019’s first Reading Session!
It’s snowing and it won’t stop! Everyone’s holed up under their coziest blankets with hot chocolate, and if you’re lucky, fireplaces too. The temperature has dropped this year and all we wish to do is at least lift up some spirits.
But why be all bundled up and only think of winter? Let’s meet and share some poetry about cold weather and colder hearts! Some fireside stories and some gripping “WINTER TALES”.
All against the backdrop of the majestic snow-clad Dhauladhar range towering over The Rooftop of Blossoms Village Resort.
Come sit by the fire, call for a hot mug of Kahwa and enjoy the journey of story-telling through d.r.i.f.t. Reads.
We’ll be reading from Gulzar, Margaret Atwood, Jamyang Norbu, Amrita Pritam amongst many others.
We hope to see many familiar and hopefully lots of new faces too
Happy Winters !

DRIFT Festival 2019
2019-03-06 - 2019-03-09 | The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
“आओ आओ नाटक देखो”
Theatre in the mountains is back!
d.r.i.f.t is here again. d.r.i.f.t 2019 invites you to be a part of रंगमंच – or theatre – in Himachal!
With the support of Dharamshala’s varied communities, we bring you four days of stimulating performances and experiences. This year, artists are coming from all over India – some travelling more than 2,800 kilometers – to showcase their work and bind our audiences together.
Over the past few years, d.r.i.f.t has reached out to locals – children and adults – and created a vibrant space for all theatre enthusiasts. Alongside interactive workshops, we have staged readings and performances, including original works by Dharamshala residents.
Immerse yourselves in the spectacle of रंगमंच – or theatre – from 6th-9th March 2019, at The Clubhouse (Hotel Bhagsu), McLeodganj.
Ticket Prices:
SHOWS: Rs 50
WORKSHOPS: Rs 100
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new!
PS: Tickets available at the venue!
रंगमंच के कद्रदानों आओ आओ नाटक देखो!
देखो इन बर्फीली वादियों में थिएटर फिर वापस आ गया है |
आइये आप भी इस रस में सरोबार हो जाइये | ड्रिफ्ट २०१९ आप सभी को आमंत्रित कर रहा है इस रंगारंग कार्यकर्म का हिस्सा बनने के लिए | धर्मशाला के रसिक विभूतियों के सहयोग से हम ला रहे है आपके समक्ष अनुभवी एवम दिल को छू लेने वाले कलाकारों की प्रतिभा जो आपके बीच चार दिनों तक समां बांधे रहेंगे | इतना ही नहीं, इस समागम में निपुण कलाकार जो की यहाँ से २५०० किलोमीटर दूर से आरहे हैं , अपने अभिनय की रौशनी से सबको चकाचौंध करने वाले है |
इस बार धर्मशाला के सहयोग से थिएटर समुदाय के लोगो के लिए बेहद दिलचस्प कार्यकर्म की श्रंखला तैयार की है | रंगमंच की लुप्त होती संस्कृति को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए कार्यशालाओं का आयोजन किया जाएगा जिसमे स्थानीय कलाकार भी अपनी प्रतिभा का हुनर दिखा सकेंगे |
तो आईये ६ से ९ मार्च तक डूब जाईये नाटकों की अमृत धरा में और पाईये इस भागम भाग की जिंदगी से दूर सुकून के कुछ पल |
स्थान – द क्लब हाउस, होटेल भाग सू ( मैकलोडगंज )
टिकट की कीमत
कार्यक्रम – ₹५०
कार्यशाला – ₹२००
टिकट लिखित स्थान पर उपलब्ध है।
हम आपके स्वागत की राह देख रहे हैं।

DRIFT READS: SESSION XIX (The Vagina Monologues)
2019-05-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Illiterati Books & Coffee, Jogiwara Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219, 176219, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents
d.r.i.f.t Reads: Session XIX (The Vagina Monologues)
.
Its the 19th session of d.r.i.f.t reads! And we’re really excited at performing extracts from the superb Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler at the beautiful new Gallery and Co-working Space by Illiterati, “The.Other.Space”
.
Come join us to explore this collection of writings that are not just about breaking taboos. They have moved us and touched us deeply, personally, in saying we shouldn’t be ashamed of our bodies. And though it is specially about women and their bodies, it is also profoundly human.
We will be doing a rehearsed reading of a few excerpts from the book.
.
See you there on Thursday at 5.30pm.
.
Entry: Free
Age Limit: 18+ (Children not allowed)
Trigger Warning: The pieces contain strong Sexual language and refer to experiences that may trigger trauma.

Creative Writing Workshop with Ankita Anand
2019-05-24 - 2019-05-30 | The Owl’s Nest – Tapovan, Dharamshala, Village Rasan, Sidhbari, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
D.R.I.F.T is organising a Creative Writing Workshop @ The Owl’s Nest, Dharamsala.
Dates: 24th-30th May 2019
Venue: The Owl’s Nest (Tapovan, Dharamsala)
#WritersRetreat #Drift2019

Stories in Songs
2019-09-17 - 2019-09-21 | The green House, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents,
*STORIES IN SONG*
Take a juicy story and break it down into little chunks. Toss in a handful of rhythm, season with a sprinkle of song, garnish with a dollop of wordplay, and voila…there’s our recipe for this exciting Musical Storytelling workshop!
(Best served with a side of DIY instruments, body gestures, movement and loads of fun and laughter)
Join the cast of *The Legend of ILA* as they share their unique spin on how to craft a story for performance.
This workshop is open to all Adults and Young Adults above 13yrs.
*NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!*

*Dates and timings:* September 17th-21st, 3.30-6.30PM
*Fees: Rs.2000/- per participant
*Early bird: Rs.1500/ (early bird closes on 15th Sept)
*VENUE: The Green House, Near Blossoms Village Resort, Sidhpur, Dharamshala.

Storytelling for Kids
2019-09-17 - 2019-09-21 | Tunna’s Book Cafe, Mohali, Sokani da Kot, Khanyara Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents,
*STORYTELLING FOR KIDS*
Is your child musically inclined? does s(he) like stories? Then here’s a workshop tailor made for them to explore and develop their skills!
Led by the cast of *The Legend of Ila* (A musical theatre performance of a Story in Song) and consisting of rhythms and rhymes, stories and song, theatre games, DIY instruments and body movement, this workshop truly promises to be loads of fun!
Come enjoy stories and music and all things lovely at the new amazingly warm Tunna’s Book Cafe
*For ages 8 to 13*
*Venue:* Tunna’s Book Cafe, Mohli, Dharamshala
*Dates and timings:* September 17th-21st, 4-6PM with a small sharing on the last day
*Fees:* 1500/- per participant (early bird 1000/-)
Early Bird entries close on the 14th Sept.

Legend Of ILA- A story in Song
2019-09-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Dolls4Tibet Studio, Session Rd, near Kashmir House Hotel, Kotwali Bazaar Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India 176215, India
Dharamsala Residential & International Festival for Theatre brings to you,
•THE LEGEND OF ILA: A Story in Song•

LANGUAGE: English
DURATION: Approx. 70 minutes
DATE: Sunday, 22 Sept
TIME: 6.30pm
VENUE: Dolls4Tibet, Near Kashmir Cottage, Dharamshala.
Age Limit: 12+
From the dusty pages of Hindu mythology comes the fascinating tale of Ila. At different points in time, Ila lives in the physical form of either a woman or a man. This musical retelling of the legend delves into the inner experience of their identity, while outwardly exploring the wonder and the absurdity of it all…the story, the character, as well as our own (somewhat limited?) notions of gender.
Oral traditions from the world over have often used music as an integral device of storytelling. With this as inspiration, our tale is almost entirely performed in song, with all-original music and instrumentation. So, expect plenty of live singing and playing of instruments by the performers in the narration of the story!

•••Words & Music: Anant Dayal
•••Performers: Subhadra Kamath, Vignesh Iyer, Anant Dayal
•••Sound and tech: Dhruv Yadav
•••Outside eye: Shena Gamat
•••Production support: Barefoot Theatre, Eastwind Academy

DRIFT Reads: Session XX (Letters)
2019-11-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Cafe Indique,, Temple Road, Norbulingka Institute, Sidhpur, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
Dharamshala Residential & International Festival for Theatre presents,
d.r.i.f.t. Reads: Session XX
.
To,
Whomsoever it may concern.
We apologise for the delayed response. We’re back after a long break and we’re sorry we made you wait this long, but here we are again and this time at a whole new venue, with new readers and a topic we’ve never before explored.
We have noticed that the art of epistolary is slowing disappearing from our lives and so we invite you to come hear us read some of the most beautiful, strong and fun letters written since time immemorial and perhaps also write a few letters with us, so we can bring back the tradition of writing letters in this time where technology is getting the better of us.
The lovely Cafe Indique garden, a small fire to keep the evening warm, a blues record playing in the background, some hot ginger Tea and the sheer romanticism of letters being read. Could you think of a better way to spend an evening?
If not, join us on Friday, 29th November, 5.30pm at Cafe Indique, near Norbulingka, Sidhpur.
We hope to see your beautiful faces again. We have missed you.
Warm Regards,
d.r.i.f.t.
P.S: Minimum Donation Rs.50/- (get a d.r.i.f.t. Sticker as your entry ticket )

A PLACE WE CALL HOME - A workshop by Alia Sinha
2020-03-02 - 2020-03-04 | Dolls4Tibet Studio, Session Rd, near Kashmir House Hotel, Kotwali Bazaar Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India 176215, India
A PLACE WE CALL HOME
by ALIA SINHA
In these times of divisiveness, anger, confusion, and ecological crises, this workshop invites participants to explore creative and playful ways of connecting, communicating, and ‘belonging’.
The aim of the workshop is to devise artistic and performative responses to our ideas of the place we call Home: as we imagine it to be
Expect spectacle and illusion, storytelling, theatre games and choreography…all with a large dose of humour, empathy and weirdness in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
AND as added bonus: the workshop will culminate in a performance presentation, which will open the Festival this year on the 5th of March!
.
Date: 2nd – 4th March, 2020
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Venue: Dolls4Tibet Studio, Jogibara Road, Before Kashmir House.
Workshop Fee: Rs.200/-

d.r.i.f.t festival 2020
2020-03-05 - 2020-03-08 | The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
“आओ आओ नाटक देखो”
Theatre in the mountains is back!
d.r.i.f.t is here again. d.r.i.f.t 2020 invites you to be a part of रंगमंच – or theatre – in Himachal!
This year, it’s all about local diversity. We have 4 local shows in Gaddi, Tibetan, Hindi and English as well as a wonderful performance from Manipur.
Over the past few years, d.r.i.f.t has reached out to locals – children and adults – and created a vibrant space for all theatre enthusiasts. Alongside interactive workshops, we have staged readings and performances, including original works by Dharamshala residents.
Immerse yourselves in the spectacle of रंगमंच – or theatre – from 6th-9th March 2019, at The Clubhouse (Hotel Bhagsu), McLeodganj.
Ticket Prices:
SHOWS: Rs 50
WORKSHOPS: Rs 100
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new!
PS: Tickets available at the venue!

d.r.i.f.t festival 2020
2020-03-05 12:00 - 2020-03-08 20:00 | The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, The Clubhouse, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
Since 2017, our annual festival has been built on one central principle: community! People matter to us.
Each year, we bring shows and workshops from India and abroad to local audiences. We also stage productions with local schools and adults with whom we have been engaged through the year.
Participating groups oversee the running of the festival, along with volunteers and organisers. Everyone helps with setting up, backstage work, ushering, and preparing and serving food and drink for artists, volunteers and audience members alike, among other work. Artists, volunteers and organisers work on the same tasks together. Volunteers see every show and also attend workshops. The result is a warm and intimate atmosphere unlike any other festival in the country–or so our participants and audiences tell us! We believe that by bringing people together to work towards a collective vision, theatre can build powerful solidarities between different people and groups. And indeed, this is a festival that is kept going by the spirit of theatre and collaboration.

Playing with Words: A Writing Workshop with Purva Naresh
2020-12-05 08:00 - 17:00
An introductory play writing workshop to explore ideas, scenes, dialogues and whip them into the shape of a play. Through interactive writing exercises we shall also be exploring self-expression through writing. A writing workshop in Hindi and English.

About the facilitator:
Purva Naresh, originally from Lucknow, now lives in Mumbai. She studied film production at the Film and Television Institute of India and also trained professionaly in Indian classical dance and percussion. Her first play Asfaneh: Bai Se Bioscope Tak has received a number of awards. She co-wrote and directed the musical play Preth which premiered at the NCPA Centrestage Festival and her short play Aabodana has performed widely as part of Rage Theatre’s One on One Season.
She took part in the Royal Court/Rage Theatre 2010/2011 workshops for which she wrote the play Ok Tata Bye Bye, which was performed in Hindi at the Writers Bloc Festival in January 2012. The production won the Laadli Media Award for Best Play on Gender Sensitisation (2012) and was also performed at Curve in 2014. In 2015, Naresh received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purushkar, also known as the National Award for young performing and theatre artist, for her body of work as a playwright.
Other plays include Aaj Rang Hai, an adaptation of Umrao, Ladies Sangeet and Bandish 20-20000 Hz. She was also commissioned to write for Kings Cross Theatre in Sydney which opened the play Jatinga this year, and is slated for an Indian premiere at the NCPA’s Centrestage Festival in November.
Pink Saree Revolution adapted for stage by Purva opens in Leicester UK before commencing a UK tour on October 5th 2017.

d.r.i.f.t reads: Session XXI The Practice of Hope
2020-12-09 03:30 - 17:30 | altcampus, Thehr, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057, India
What is hope?

“hope is not a guarantee for tomorrow, but a detonator of energy for action today” John Berger
We’re very timidly venturing out for a reading outdoors, masked and physically distanced. We’ll be reading texts that have given us hope at various times in our lives and especially during this year 2020. We will meet at Tunna’s Book Cafe before heading to the venue.
We understand that not all of you would want to come to a gathering, we really do. We do however want to end this year on things that help us navigate this terra incognita.
We’re doing this reading outdoors in the daytime, at an open-air venue, with compulsory wearing of masks and keeping physical distance from the others.

Date : 9th Dec, 2020
Time : 4-5 PM
Venue : Alt Campus. Thehr, Dharamshala

For the first time, this reading will require:
Compulsory pre-registration because limited seats.
Compulsory wearing of masks to enter the space and during the reading.
Staying in the seats you have been assigned.
We know all this sounds impossibly grim but we want you and ourselves to stay safe.
So please, if you feel like it, come. (register beforehand)

To Register, Call us on +91 8447568458
or write to us on driftheatre@gmail.com by 8th Dec, 2020.
