About The Event
Renu and her brother Karthik, a chess prodigy, have spent years stitching together a fragile peace after escaping the brutality of their father. Silence and survival have become their way of life until news of the man’s sudden death shatters their uneasy balance.
The messenger is Inspector Shashank, whose probing questions dig deeper than they should. What begins as a simple inquiry becomes a psychological duel, as memories claw their way back and secrets long buried rise to the surface. Alongside them are Eklavya, a fiery young boy caught between loyalty and rage, and Ekanth, a legendary grandmaster whose presence carries the weight of wisdom and finality.
In this game of truth and deception, every move shifts the balance of power. Who’s really in control? Who’s playing whom? And, in the end, who will emerge as the grandmaster?
The play’s world unfolds not only through dialogue but also through movement: Kathak embodies the fluidity and poise of the White pieces, while Kalaripayattu reflects the raw force of the Black. Together, they create a visceral stage language where dance, drama, and chess unite
Produced by INT Aditya Birla Centre for Performing Art production (INTABCPA)
Written and directed by Nikhil Katara
Cast: Tushar Pandey, Sumona Chakravarti, Ajinkya Ovhal, Shaun Williams & Kesav Binoy Kiron
Choreography
Kalari
Choreographed by Dipika Pandey
Performers: Malavika Thampi, Akash Hattaraki, Raj Shekhar, Nishashmita, Ievaan Shubhankar, Ronit Ashra, Jimit Thaker
Kathak
Choreographed by Sugandh Lamba
Performers: Parinita Mahendra Pawar, Nidhi Prakash Dedhia, Sunidhi Banerjee, Babusha Jain, Aleena Khan, Gauri Shinde, Sakshi Bodas
An INTABCPA Production
Age Limit: 11+
Late entry will not be permitted.
