Kavan - An Ambedkarite Opera

Step into an unforgettable theatrical experience where poetry meets protest and satire sings truth to power. Kavan is an operatic satire entirely performed through poetry and song, following the journey of Bejul—a young man depoliticised into silence—on his awakening into a political poet. Set against the backdrop of India’s contradictions, this bold performance tackles love, dreams, and dilemmas while confronting the entrenched realities of caste and class.

In Marathi, Kavan means the songs of resistance—poems meant to be performed, not just read. This work blends Shahiri folk protest music from Maharashtra with folk, electronic, rock, and rap to create a charged, genre-crossing soundtrack. A collaboration between Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch, known for their powerful Ambedkari Shahiri Jalsa performances, and Nalanda Arts Studio, the opera is both a celebration of cultural activism and an urgent call for reflection in the world’s largest democracy.

📅 Date: Thu 12 Feb – Sat 14 Feb
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
💰 Tickets: AED 52.50 – AED 105
📍 Venue: The Black Box, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

Prepare for an evening of music, humour, satire, and collective storytelling that challenges, inspires, and stays with you long after the curtain falls.