This year’s Global Evening takes us to Odisha, India, and into the world of the Natya Chetana theatre group! Joining us for this special event are Subodh Patnaik, founder and director of Natya Chetana, and Sujata “Bebi” Priyambada, an actress with the group.
Founded in 1986, Natya Chetana brings together art, communities and social issues through theatre. For the group, theatre extends beyond the stage: performances are taken to villages, sometimes by bicycle, and productions are developed through local research, observations and knowledge gathered from communities.
Natya Chetana’s theatre is raw and political, drawing strongly on the local aesthetics of Odisha. The group’s work is often described as people’s theatre, popular theatre and socially engaged art. It sees theatre as a means of fostering community participation, social awareness, intercultural dialogue and sustainable development.
Working in both the artistic field and the world of community-based and political theatre has not always been easy. The group has faced challenges in terms of both resources and recognition. In India’s highly competitive arts scene, for example, the idea of “theatre that can be performed anywhere for anyone” has not always been welcomed. Recognition at the highest level finally came when the Delhi-based Sangeet Natak Akademi honoured Subodh Patnaik for his lifetime contribution to the arts.
During the evening, we will hear about Natya Chetana’s work and how the group brings together theatre, communities and social awareness. We will also see Kala Pani (Black Water), a 30-minute solo performance by Sujata Priyambada. The performance explores the impact of mining on water bodies and the communities living alongside them. It reflects Natya Chetana’s approach to theatre, which has taken performances on bicycle expeditions to remote villages. The performance will be followed by a discussion.
You are warmly welcome to join us for an evening of encounters, experiences and conversation!
Practical information
📅 Thursday, 5 November 2026, 5–7 pm
📍 Tampere University, Linna building, room 4013 (4th floor)
🌐 Language: English
🍵 Light refreshments, coffee, tea and juice will be served.
📝 Please register in advance using the form below, if possible, so that we can plan for refreshments and ensure there is enough space. You are also welcome to attend without registering.
🎭 Voluntary contribution for the performance – cash is preferred.