Drama, music & desi vibes: “KaMeeNi” and “Unscripted Uzma” unite communities at South Asian Theatre Mela

Marking its 10th anniversary, Nautanki Theatre is hosting a three-day South Asian Theatre Mela. The festival will feature bilingual plays, as well as music performances and literary discussions. Highlights include colourful cultural stalls, the Pakistani stage play "Kameeni", a screening of legendary actress Uzma Gillani’s play, and the presentation of "Unscripted Uzma". Hear more about the productions from Reema Gillani, Abida Malik, Sonil Shankar, and Madiha Khan in this podcast.

Nautanki Theatre’s South Asian Mela brings culture and creativity to Parramatta (Credit Nautanki Theatre ).

The festival will also feature a screening of a renowned TV drama by legendary actress Uzma Gillani, along with Unscripted Uzma, a conversation-based show with her. In addition, a semi-biographical stage play will be performed, featuring Uzma Gillani and Reema Gillani.

(Supplied by Reema Gillani)

Marking its 10th year, the South Asian Theatre Mela transformed Parramatta into a vibrant celebration of South Asian arts. Presented by Nautanki, the festival showcased theatre, music, literature, and visual arts.

The cast of stage drama KaMeeNi includes Madiha Khan, Abida Malik and Sonil Shanker (SBS Urdu).

Highlights included KaMeeNi, Urdu-English stage play by the Pakistani-Australian community; a book talk with Saman Shad; and a satirical drag performance by Kashif Harrison.

Other standout moments included Bangladesh’s Lokojog Collective and a celebration of Avijit Sarkar’s 50-year creative journey.

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