Day 5 of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 unfolded with a vibrant mix of performances, workshops, and experiences that encouraged audiences to reflect, explore, and celebrate the diversity of human expression.
The day commenced with the Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant visiting the Serendipity Arts Festival, appreciating the artworks and commending the artists and Serendipity Arts Festival team for turning Panaji into a hub of creativity.
It was followed by M(Other)hood, a powerful performance exploring the intersections of motherhood and otherhood at The Foundry, Kala Academy. Conceived by Scarlet Yu Mei Wah and Tung I-Fen, the project used choreographic principles and collective narratives to delve into expansive forms of solidarity. Through live performances and insightful discussions, this special project expanded the definition of motherhood, highlighting its influence on cultural narratives and societal attitudes.
“I left feeling so carried and cared for by many people who came to spend time with us. I was touched and surprised by the level of willingness, openness and engagement that everyone came in with, to slowly transform themselves,” said Scarlet Yu Mei Wah, who conceptualised M(Other)Hood with Tung I-Fen.
Meanwhile, at the Control Room – Directorate of Accounts, The House Blue, curated by Quasar Thakore Padamsee and Sankar Venkateswaran, offered audiences an immersive narrative-theatre performance. This collaboration between photographer Mritunjay Kumar and theatremaker Anish Victor combined storytelling, live music, and visual projections to explore themes of home, migration, and displacement. Alternating between English and Hindustani performances, this evocative piece encouraged reflection on what it means to belong.
For nature and food enthusiasts, Eat the Wild: Foraging for Edible Weeds in the City was a highlight of the day. Guided by Dr. Maryanne Lobo, participants wandered through Panjim’s urban greenery, learning about wild greens, their ancestral culinary uses, and their health benefits. This interactive session at The Food Lab Courtyard inspired a reconnection with nature through sustainable foraging practices.
In the same venue, the MOCK WILD Picnic by The Center for Genomic Gastronomy offered a unique culinary experience. Combining AI-assisted recipe creation and regenerative ingredients, the workshop encouraged attendees to reimagine sustainable and innovative food practices, creating flavors that balance ecological mindfulness with culinary creativity.
The evening brought a lighter touch with An Evening of Stand-Up Comedy at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir. Featuring comedians Biswa Kalyan Rath, Urooj Ashfaq, Shamik Chakrabarti, and Shreeja Chaturvedi, the performance had the audience in splits, providing a perfect conclusion to the day’s diverse lineup of events.
Day 5 of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 was a rich tapestry of thought-provoking performances, workshops, and entertainment, leaving audiences inspired and energized for the days ahead.
