Calling out the best of Indian theatre groups

The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), a week long national theatre festival and awards programme which stages the best in theatre from across the country is all set for its 13th edition to be held in April. META confers awards across 13 categories, recognizing and celebrating various aspects of stagecraft including stage design, lighting and costumes apart from best play and best ensemble cast and best director. The flavour of META lies in its diversity in terms of both themes and regions represented and this edition seeks to continue this tradition.

Theatre groups from across the country are invited to participate in the festival and compete for the most comprehensive awards in Indian theatre. The deadline for applications is January 20. An advisory committee representing various regions of the country will recommend plays from their respective states, comprising the best of regional theatre. These plays will get direct entry to the META selection committee's screening. This committee, comprising eminent performing arts personalities, will then select 10 plays that will ultimately be staged in Delhi and these chosen entries in 13 award categories will be invited to stage their productions before a distinguished jury and general audiences in the Capital. Entries can be submitted online at the official website of META awards..

Jay Shah, Head of Cultural Outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. encouraging the efforts of the group said "The Mahindra Group has always invested in the arts with the vision to nurture creativity and encourage passion. It gives us immense satisfaction to see the results of over a decade. META is not just a festival but an ongoing movement to recognize and salute the best of Indian theatre."

Sanjoy Roy, MD ofTeamwork Arts said, "The META journey has proved beyond doubt that there is an abundance of talent within the country. Over the years, META has served as a platform to showcase the best of Indian theatre, resulting in a significant contribution to the country's cultural landscape."

The 13th META Festival which is scheduled from April 14 to 19 will be held at New Delhi's Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre along with a red carpet awards night on April 2.