India’s unique micro drama festival, ‘Thespis’, is returning for its fourth edition, promising a captivating lineup of short yet impactful plays that will showcase the rich diversity of Indian theatre.
Thespis, India’s first-ever micro drama festival, is set to capture the imagination of theatre lovers with its fourth edition. Organised by Vriksh the Theatre, the festival has carved a niche for itself by focusing on plays that are no longer than ten minutes. This year’s edition will bring together 30 carefully selected plays from across India’s linguistic spectrum, creating an exhilarating day of performances. With each play offering a tightly woven narrative, Thespis continues its tradition of celebrating storytelling in its most condensed and powerful form.
A FESTIVAL OF DIVERSITY
From regional dialects to experimental narratives, Thespis has always been a platform for diverse voices and fresh perspectives. Festival Director, Dr Abhilash Pillai, who has been at the helm since its inception, reflects on the festival’s remarkable journey, “I’ve had the immense privilege of being the Festival Director for all three editions held from 2017 to 2019. Each edition was a groundbreaking success, not only introducing a new format to Indian theatre but also receiving accolades for its unique approach. We are proud to announce that the festival has already achieved two ‘Best of India’ records for its remarkable contributions to the arts.”
The 2025 edition promises to continue this legacy, with over 600 artists expected to participate, spanning multiple categories. As the festival grows, it continues to champion a blend of creativity, emotion, and innovation in the art of theatre, where each micro-drama carries its own distinct narrative within a ten-minute frame.
COMPETITION AND RECOGNITION
Thespis has seen impressive growth since its inception, with over 250 entries pouring in from across the country each year. In 2025, 30 plays will be selected to compete for some of the most coveted awards in Indian theatre. Cash prizes will be up for grabs in ten categories, including Best Production, Best Script, Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Technician. The Best Play award will carry a cash prize of Rs 50,000, making it a highly sought-after honour.
Through its competitive format, Thespis has become an essential platform for theatre groups to gain national recognition, all while nurturing and celebrating talent.
THE FUTURE OF SHORT-FORMAT THEATRE
As the festival approaches, entries are now open until November 20th, 2024, inviting theatre groups from all corners of India to showcase their creativity in this thrilling micro-drama format. Scheduled for February 2, 2025, at the iconic LTG Auditorium in New Delhi,
As it continues to grow in prominence, Thespis is inspiring a revival of short-format theatre across the country, providing a stage for both seasoned professionals and emerging talent to experiment and excel.
ENTRY LINK:
[Thespis 2025 Entry]