We are very glad to invite you to the May 2025 session of Theatre Adda. Theatre Adda are monthly sessions of experiments in performance and theatre which has been jointly organized by Alliance Française du Bengale & Culture Monks for the past 8 years or so. In this session we pay our tribute to the May born cultural icons who had a such a profound impact on politics, culture and society through their artistic practice. We remember the likes Rabindronath Thakur, Nazrul Islam, Mrinal Sen, Manik Bandopadhyay, Sadat Manto, Ramkinkar Baij Bob Dylan, Girish Karnard & Paul Ganguin…
We present two performances which celebrate the spirit of these masters – Patterns and Invisible Scars & A brief and contentious Epic called Now .
Date : 30 May 2025 from 6:30 pm @ Alliance Française du Bengale, Park Street, Kolkata
Presented by Alliance Française du Bengale, S Square & Culture Monks
Two Performances
1. Patterns and Invisible Scars
A Skit on Toxic Patterns in Relationships and romantic partnerships.
Abstract: This skit explores the subtle and overt dynamics of toxic patterns in different kind of relationships, focusing on emotional manipulation, gaslighting, control, abandonment, and the normalization of disrespect in relationships especially in romantic partnerships. Through the journey of a young woman who finds herself repeatedly trapped in cycles of hope, hurt, and self-blame, the performance highlights how societal norms, childhood trauma, and gendered expectations often silence victims and glorify endurance over self-worth. Using dialogues, flashbacks, and internal monologues, the skit unveils the psychological toll of such toxicity and urges the audience to recognize red flags, reclaim agency, and advocate for healthy, respectful relationship with others.
Performers: (S Square) Satabdi, Sumedha. Sound: Rahul
2. A brief and contentious Epic called Now
A performance doesn’t start or end . It is a continuous process of making sense of the self, the environment and the collective through witnessing. The new is forever becoming, from the memories to futures. There is not much scope of being a curious or indifferent onlooker, not even being an engaged audience. It is time to renegotiate our position in this epic called NOW. “It highlights the idea that the “epic” is not fixed in the past but is constantly being created and re-evaluated in the present. “
This experimental performance is about the interplay of system, environment & artists.
Performance by Sumedha, Shatabdi, Bulada, Janardan, Surajit, Abhik, Bibhas & Sudipto.
Culture Monks 