Lamakaan

This is Renuka Aola's latest poetry collection, "Ravika". It is an arrow about certain traditions that did not allow uppercaste women to wear the blouse in the name of widowhood. The Me too movement has also exposed old wounds and Renuka's poetry collection has a lot of relevance as all the customs that are praised are actually atrocities against women. This poetry is an attempt for people to not forget the atrocities that have happened and are happening in our recent past and present.

Samahaara Workshop Productions

A double bill of classic Telugu plays

Shankaramanchi Parthasarathi`s
SILENCE PLEASE
&
Sunkara Satyanarayana & Vasireddy Bhaskar Rao`s
MAA BHOOMI

Directed by Rathna Shekar

SILENCE PLEASE
A scientist goes temporarily blind due to an accident in the lab and while he is resting in his house trying to get used to his blindness a thief enters the house. The thief poses as one of the family members and manages to take advantage of his mistaken identity or rather say confused identity by the scientist`s wife, maid and a friend, who all contribute to his troubles.


MAA BHOOMI
"MAA BHOOMI," penned by Sunkara Satyanarayana and Vaasireddy Bhaskar Rao, unfolds the harrowing narrative of oppression and injustice inflicted upon the people of rural Telangana by the Zamindars and the autocratic regime of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Set against the backdrop of 1947, this poignant political drama provides a stark portrayal of life in the countryside, marred by the heavy burden of taxation and the ruthless exploitation orchestrated by the Deshmukhs.

Through its narrative, the play sheds light on the plight of the peasants and the indignities they faced under the oppressive regime. The forced grain levy, the exploitative practice of vethi, and the unlawful seizure of lands emerge as the primary targets of condemnation, echoing the collective grievances of the marginalized populace.

Dive into the captivating world of Andhranatyam — a classical dance form that was once exclusively performed in temples but is now making its way onto urban stages. This seminar takes you on a journey through its sacred roots, historical evolution, and revival efforts, showcasing how Andhranatyam connects ancient temple rituals with modern cultural expressions through engaging live demonstrations and storytelling.

ndian pottery has a long history that began with the Indus Valley Civilization. The art of shaping clay articles as pottery, earthenware and porcelain has continued through the ages. Now its your turn to experience, learn and be a part of this long history.

What you get to learn:
Introduction to the history and significance of pottery making and a guided session on pottery making. Later, you will have hands-on experience and make your own clay pot which you can take back home.

Workshop Details: Date: 22.06.25 Time: 2:00 - 3:30PM Cost: Rs.800/- for one person (inclusive of all materials and you will be able to take back your Clay pot with you)

Registration: Whatsapp/call this number to register - +919154399395

Turmoil in the Middle-East: Contradiction of Imperialism Sharpens

Israel’s dastardly attack on Iran on 13 June has vitiated the already volatile situation in the middle-east. With this attack, the theatre of war has expanded in the middle-east. Israel carried out its attack on Iran’s military and nuclear installation at a time when its ongoing genocidal war in Gaza has broken all the previous records of deaths and destruction. As expected, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks against Israel and now the threat of an all-out war between the two countries looms large. Even though the US has dissociated itself from the Israeli attack, it is no brainer to understand that an attack of this nature could not have been possible without the approval of US imperialism. These attacks show that contradictions of imperialist system are sharpening at a rapid pace. These developments are likely to have a far-ranging repercussion not only in the middle-east but across the world including in India. It is in this context that ‘In Defense of Reason’ is holding this discussion. We invite one and all to this discussion on an extremely important question of the world politics.

TOGETHER IN HARMONY
A music concert celebrating World Music Day by
The Hyderabad Voices
&
The Cadence Voices
The Hyderabad Voices is the only secular choir in the twin cities. A choir that brings together people across all ages and backgrounds with a shared love for music. This is the choir’s third performance, since its coming together in January 2024.
The Cadence Voices is a children’s choir that consists of students from the music school – Strings & Tunes. They have been performing over the past few years.
Both choirs are led by the very capable conductor – Ashrita D’Souza.
Music lovers are in for a treat! A concert that is not to be missed!

This Monsoon, on every Wednesday, immerse yourselves in the works of the legendary French filmmaker, known for his masterful storytelling and psychological thrillers, CLAUDE CHABROL.

Every Wednesday evening, Lamakaan will screen Chabrol’s finest films, offering audiences a chance to experience his signature style, marked by sharp social critique and gripping narratives. Whether you're a longtime admirer or new to his oeuvre, this festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of one of France’s most influential directors.

About Claude Chabrol: Claude Chabrol, born on June 24, 1930, and passing away on September 12, 2010, was a pioneering figure of the French New Wave, leaving an indelible mark on cinema with his sharp, suspenseful storytelling and incisive social critiques. Deeply influenced by Hitchcock, Chabrol crafted thrillers that dissected bourgeois hypocrisy with a detached, ironic lens. His early films, such as Le Beau Serge (1958) and Les Cousins (1959), helped define the New Wave movement, while later works like La Cérémonie (1995) showcased his mastery of psychological tension. Throughout his prolific career, Chabrol remained a craftsman of cinema, blending elegance with unsettling narratives that exposed the darker corners of human nature. His legacy endures as a filmmaker who transformed the thriller genre into a vehicle for profound social commentary.

Film Title: LA CEREMONIE | 1968 | 95Mins | France & Germany | French with English Subtitles

About the film: La Cérémonie (English: lit. The Ceremony) is a 1995 French-German psychological thriller film by Claude Chabrol, adapted from the 1977 novel A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell. The film echoes the case of Christine and Lea Papin, two French maids who brutally murdered their employer's wife and daughter in 1933, as well as the 1947 play they inspired, The Maids by Jean Genet.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

GZH, in association with Lamakaan, invites you to this month's German Movie Night.

Title: 2038 – Here Is How
Original Title: 2038 – Die Neue Gelassenheit
Year: 2021
Duration: 108 minutes
Genre: Docufiction / Mockumentary
Themes: Visual arts / design / photography, Architecture / Urban space, Social participation, Digitalisation / Internet, Environment / Ecology / Climate change

Synopsis:
A fictional documentary set in the future, exploring how humanity overcomes the crises of our time. Drawing from disciplines like climate science, sociology, and architecture, the film presents a “message in a bottle” from the year 2038. A hopeful yet complex vision of the world we could still create.

All are Welcome!

Priyadarshini Singh is a research scholar from CSIR-CCMB. She will speak about her research focus on stress proteins in biology and their targeting in diseases like cancer. She will share insights on how normal cells function, what goes wrong when a cell becomes cancerous, how cancer develops with the help of stress proteins, and how cancer cells adapt to the stress, thereby becoming aggressive. Her research primarily focuses on how cancer cells can show heterogeneous populations, making treatments difficult. She is trying to understand how this heterogeneity arises and what could be done to address it. Her work aims to design novel therapies for these challenges towards the battle against cancer. Join in to learn and discuss current challenges in cancer treatments and how this research may answer some of these questions.

Are you curious about the Palestinian condition, but too intimidated/ unaware about what's really going on? Are you someone who adores fiction and can really grasp an issue through reading stories and relying on your imagination? We've got something for you! The White Library, whose title is inspired by a fictitious story in a book called Invisible Libraries by Lawrence Liang, has been running book clubs both general and specific since 2019 with its host, Manasa Tantravahi. Last year, we ran an online experimental reading group that read Palestinian fiction exclusively (between July - December 2024). We're back with a new chapter of the club (with a fresh reading list!! and with a name name: 'Imagining Palestine'!) and taking it offline. What is 'Imagining Palestine' about? It's a limited discussion series slash book club that reads Palestinian fiction exclusively, now in its second run. As your host, Manasa will be talking about how to close read the novels/ short story collections that we select to read, what themes and elements to look out for, and supplementing our discussions with material surrounding each other. It's intended to be a guided, sensitive and a no-judgement space to learn about and discuss the situation, through reading novels exclusively. And don't worry about reading slow (or if you're just getting out of a slump!): the club will read no more than a book a month! *For THIS session, we're discussing: Palestine +100 by Basma Ghalayini. Feel free to join in! Contact The White Library at +91-9650628070 and/ or m.tantravahi@gmail.com for more details on the club! See you!

Bhumi volunteer orientation to recruit volunteers for projects and programs we run in the organisation such as Civic volunteering and Teaching volunteering in Hyderabad

Kalamkari art, a timeless artform from the region of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu and is renowned for its intricate beauty. Dating back almost 3000 years, this art was popularised by the Rayas of Vijayanagara, and reached its heyday during the Mughal period (1526-1857) in India.
The term ‘kalamkari’ has Persian roots where ‘kalam’ means pen, and ‘kari’ means craftsmanship. Therefore, ‘kalamkari’ translates to the intricate art work done through a pen made from natural ingredients. The pen or the ‘kalam’ is obtained from the bamboo and sharpened, it is traditionally dipped in kasimi (a natural black dye) black liquid. The ‘kalam’ is wrapped with wool around it, which holds the black dye and the artist squeezes the wool to extract this dye as and when required.

You’ll Experience:
An introduction to the history and significance of kalamkari art
A guided session on creating traditional motifs and characters
Hands-on instruction in sketching and outlining using kalam

The workshop offers an immersive cultural experience that connects you with India’s rich artistic heritage. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, this is your chance to create something beautiful.

All materials will be provided.

Perfect for: Beginers, art lovers, cultural enthusiasts.

Take Home: A traditional kalamkari painting — created by your own hands.

Workshop Details: Date: 06.07.25
Time: 11:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Rs.1000/- (inclusive of all materials and you will be able to take back your art piece with you)

Registration: Whatsapp/call this number to register - +91 9154399395

KALAKAAR and Kafan Play
About the Play
KALAKAAR and Kafan are two thought-provoking plays that explore the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the human condition. With powerful storytelling, nuanced characters, and gripping dialogue, these plays will leave audiences spellbound and introspective.

KALAKAAR
KALAKAAR is a play that delves into the world of art, creativity, and identity. It follows the journey of its protagonist as they navigate the complexities of their craft and the expectations of others.

Kafan
Kafan, on the other hand, is a play that explores the themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. It's a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms and forces audiences to confront their own mortality.

Experience the Power of Theatre
Both plays promise to deliver a unique theatrical experience that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and inspired. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these thought-provoking!

Performing Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)

This is Renuka Aola's latest poetry collection, "Ravika". It is an arrow about certain traditions that did not allow uppercaste women to wear the blouse in the name of widowhood. The Me too movement has also exposed old wounds and Renuka's poetry collection has a lot of relevance as all the customs that are praised are actually atrocities against women. This poetry is an attempt for people to not forget the atrocities that have happened and are happening in our recent past and present.

Samahaara Workshop Productions

A double bill of classic Telugu plays

Shankaramanchi Parthasarathi`s
SILENCE PLEASE
&
Sunkara Satyanarayana & Vasireddy Bhaskar Rao`s
MAA BHOOMI

Directed by Rathna Shekar

SILENCE PLEASE
A scientist goes temporarily blind due to an accident in the lab and while he is resting in his house trying to get used to his blindness a thief enters the house. The thief poses as one of the family members and manages to take advantage of his mistaken identity or rather say confused identity by the scientist`s wife, maid and a friend, who all contribute to his troubles.


MAA BHOOMI
"MAA BHOOMI," penned by Sunkara Satyanarayana and Vaasireddy Bhaskar Rao, unfolds the harrowing narrative of oppression and injustice inflicted upon the people of rural Telangana by the Zamindars and the autocratic regime of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Set against the backdrop of 1947, this poignant political drama provides a stark portrayal of life in the countryside, marred by the heavy burden of taxation and the ruthless exploitation orchestrated by the Deshmukhs.

Through its narrative, the play sheds light on the plight of the peasants and the indignities they faced under the oppressive regime. The forced grain levy, the exploitative practice of vethi, and the unlawful seizure of lands emerge as the primary targets of condemnation, echoing the collective grievances of the marginalized populace.

Dive into the captivating world of Andhranatyam — a classical dance form that was once exclusively performed in temples but is now making its way onto urban stages. This seminar takes you on a journey through its sacred roots, historical evolution, and revival efforts, showcasing how Andhranatyam connects ancient temple rituals with modern cultural expressions through engaging live demonstrations and storytelling.

ndian pottery has a long history that began with the Indus Valley Civilization. The art of shaping clay articles as pottery, earthenware and porcelain has continued through the ages. Now its your turn to experience, learn and be a part of this long history.

What you get to learn:
Introduction to the history and significance of pottery making and a guided session on pottery making. Later, you will have hands-on experience and make your own clay pot which you can take back home.

Workshop Details: Date: 22.06.25 Time: 2:00 - 3:30PM Cost: Rs.800/- for one person (inclusive of all materials and you will be able to take back your Clay pot with you)

Registration: Whatsapp/call this number to register - +919154399395

Turmoil in the Middle-East: Contradiction of Imperialism Sharpens

Israel’s dastardly attack on Iran on 13 June has vitiated the already volatile situation in the middle-east. With this attack, the theatre of war has expanded in the middle-east. Israel carried out its attack on Iran’s military and nuclear installation at a time when its ongoing genocidal war in Gaza has broken all the previous records of deaths and destruction. As expected, Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks against Israel and now the threat of an all-out war between the two countries looms large. Even though the US has dissociated itself from the Israeli attack, it is no brainer to understand that an attack of this nature could not have been possible without the approval of US imperialism. These attacks show that contradictions of imperialist system are sharpening at a rapid pace. These developments are likely to have a far-ranging repercussion not only in the middle-east but across the world including in India. It is in this context that ‘In Defense of Reason’ is holding this discussion. We invite one and all to this discussion on an extremely important question of the world politics.

TOGETHER IN HARMONY
A music concert celebrating World Music Day by
The Hyderabad Voices
&
The Cadence Voices
The Hyderabad Voices is the only secular choir in the twin cities. A choir that brings together people across all ages and backgrounds with a shared love for music. This is the choir’s third performance, since its coming together in January 2024.
The Cadence Voices is a children’s choir that consists of students from the music school – Strings & Tunes. They have been performing over the past few years.
Both choirs are led by the very capable conductor – Ashrita D’Souza.
Music lovers are in for a treat! A concert that is not to be missed!

This Monsoon, on every Wednesday, immerse yourselves in the works of the legendary French filmmaker, known for his masterful storytelling and psychological thrillers, CLAUDE CHABROL.

Every Wednesday evening, Lamakaan will screen Chabrol’s finest films, offering audiences a chance to experience his signature style, marked by sharp social critique and gripping narratives. Whether you're a longtime admirer or new to his oeuvre, this festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of one of France’s most influential directors.

About Claude Chabrol: Claude Chabrol, born on June 24, 1930, and passing away on September 12, 2010, was a pioneering figure of the French New Wave, leaving an indelible mark on cinema with his sharp, suspenseful storytelling and incisive social critiques. Deeply influenced by Hitchcock, Chabrol crafted thrillers that dissected bourgeois hypocrisy with a detached, ironic lens. His early films, such as Le Beau Serge (1958) and Les Cousins (1959), helped define the New Wave movement, while later works like La Cérémonie (1995) showcased his mastery of psychological tension. Throughout his prolific career, Chabrol remained a craftsman of cinema, blending elegance with unsettling narratives that exposed the darker corners of human nature. His legacy endures as a filmmaker who transformed the thriller genre into a vehicle for profound social commentary.

Film Title: LA CEREMONIE | 1968 | 95Mins | France & Germany | French with English Subtitles

About the film: La Cérémonie (English: lit. The Ceremony) is a 1995 French-German psychological thriller film by Claude Chabrol, adapted from the 1977 novel A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell. The film echoes the case of Christine and Lea Papin, two French maids who brutally murdered their employer's wife and daughter in 1933, as well as the 1947 play they inspired, The Maids by Jean Genet.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

GZH, in association with Lamakaan, invites you to this month's German Movie Night.

Title: 2038 – Here Is How
Original Title: 2038 – Die Neue Gelassenheit
Year: 2021
Duration: 108 minutes
Genre: Docufiction / Mockumentary
Themes: Visual arts / design / photography, Architecture / Urban space, Social participation, Digitalisation / Internet, Environment / Ecology / Climate change

Synopsis:
A fictional documentary set in the future, exploring how humanity overcomes the crises of our time. Drawing from disciplines like climate science, sociology, and architecture, the film presents a “message in a bottle” from the year 2038. A hopeful yet complex vision of the world we could still create.

All are Welcome!

Priyadarshini Singh is a research scholar from CSIR-CCMB. She will speak about her research focus on stress proteins in biology and their targeting in diseases like cancer. She will share insights on how normal cells function, what goes wrong when a cell becomes cancerous, how cancer develops with the help of stress proteins, and how cancer cells adapt to the stress, thereby becoming aggressive. Her research primarily focuses on how cancer cells can show heterogeneous populations, making treatments difficult. She is trying to understand how this heterogeneity arises and what could be done to address it. Her work aims to design novel therapies for these challenges towards the battle against cancer. Join in to learn and discuss current challenges in cancer treatments and how this research may answer some of these questions.

Are you curious about the Palestinian condition, but too intimidated/ unaware about what's really going on? Are you someone who adores fiction and can really grasp an issue through reading stories and relying on your imagination? We've got something for you! The White Library, whose title is inspired by a fictitious story in a book called Invisible Libraries by Lawrence Liang, has been running book clubs both general and specific since 2019 with its host, Manasa Tantravahi. Last year, we ran an online experimental reading group that read Palestinian fiction exclusively (between July - December 2024). We're back with a new chapter of the club (with a fresh reading list!! and with a name name: 'Imagining Palestine'!) and taking it offline. What is 'Imagining Palestine' about? It's a limited discussion series slash book club that reads Palestinian fiction exclusively, now in its second run. As your host, Manasa will be talking about how to close read the novels/ short story collections that we select to read, what themes and elements to look out for, and supplementing our discussions with material surrounding each other. It's intended to be a guided, sensitive and a no-judgement space to learn about and discuss the situation, through reading novels exclusively. And don't worry about reading slow (or if you're just getting out of a slump!): the club will read no more than a book a month! *For THIS session, we're discussing: Palestine +100 by Basma Ghalayini. Feel free to join in! Contact The White Library at +91-9650628070 and/ or m.tantravahi@gmail.com for more details on the club! See you!

Bhumi volunteer orientation to recruit volunteers for projects and programs we run in the organisation such as Civic volunteering and Teaching volunteering in Hyderabad

Kalamkari art, a timeless artform from the region of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu and is renowned for its intricate beauty. Dating back almost 3000 years, this art was popularised by the Rayas of Vijayanagara, and reached its heyday during the Mughal period (1526-1857) in India.
The term ‘kalamkari’ has Persian roots where ‘kalam’ means pen, and ‘kari’ means craftsmanship. Therefore, ‘kalamkari’ translates to the intricate art work done through a pen made from natural ingredients. The pen or the ‘kalam’ is obtained from the bamboo and sharpened, it is traditionally dipped in kasimi (a natural black dye) black liquid. The ‘kalam’ is wrapped with wool around it, which holds the black dye and the artist squeezes the wool to extract this dye as and when required.

You’ll Experience:
An introduction to the history and significance of kalamkari art
A guided session on creating traditional motifs and characters
Hands-on instruction in sketching and outlining using kalam

The workshop offers an immersive cultural experience that connects you with India’s rich artistic heritage. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, this is your chance to create something beautiful.

All materials will be provided.

Perfect for: Beginers, art lovers, cultural enthusiasts.

Take Home: A traditional kalamkari painting — created by your own hands.

Workshop Details: Date: 06.07.25
Time: 11:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Rs.1000/- (inclusive of all materials and you will be able to take back your art piece with you)

Registration: Whatsapp/call this number to register - +91 9154399395

KALAKAAR and Kafan Play
About the Play
KALAKAAR and Kafan are two thought-provoking plays that explore the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the human condition. With powerful storytelling, nuanced characters, and gripping dialogue, these plays will leave audiences spellbound and introspective.

KALAKAAR
KALAKAAR is a play that delves into the world of art, creativity, and identity. It follows the journey of its protagonist as they navigate the complexities of their craft and the expectations of others.

Kafan
Kafan, on the other hand, is a play that explores the themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. It's a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms and forces audiences to confront their own mortality.

Experience the Power of Theatre
Both plays promise to deliver a unique theatrical experience that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and inspired. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these thought-provoking!