Annual South Asian Theatre Mela-10th Yr 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th July 2025
Our New Chair
Creative and cultural leader Suzanne Pereira has joined Nautanki Theatre Company as Chair. Pereira, who has a Sri Lankan cultural background, recently returned from an 18-month sabbatical. She has previously worked with the likes of Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts (PPVA) and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP). Read more
Spectacular September
“Orko” play in development, will be presented to an intimate audience on Friday, 12 September 2025, at 8:30 PM. Written by Saurabh Bhattacharya in his debut stage writing, the play bridges Sydney and Kolkata (Calcutta), drawing inspiration from Othello while reimagining its themes in contemporary Australia. Nautanki Theatre is delighted to present this first play reading as part of the inaugural Parramatta LIT! Read more
Annual Theatre Mela Concludes
A highlight of this year’s Mela was the inaugural Ernest Thalayasingam MacIntyre Award, presented to Mr. Gandhi MacIntyre for his contributions to the arts. Proudly sponsored by Global Impact Initiative (GII), founded by Sri Lankan Australian investment leader Giles Gunesekera, the award included a $500 prize and commemorative plaque. Read more
The Spark Initiative
Step-in Saray
“Step-in Saray” is 100% focused on sector development and will have a direct impact on the growth of diverse emerging artists in NSW & Australia flowing into the creative industries, enriching our arts and culture sector with their unique voices, stories and artistry. Nautanki Theatre, has been working with the Australian South-Asian diaspora in Sydney for 10+ years. In that time, we have come into contact with some incredibly talented, inspired artists – some launching careers, others trying to continue their artistic practice in their new Australian home, and increasingly, young people, mostly second-generation migrants, wanting to pursue professional theatre careers as writers and actors. Nautanki Theatre has provided a space and structured an annual program that has, over the years, created opportunities for all these aspiring artists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thtS98ttoI0
6th South Asian Theatre Mela
Q&A Panel
Nautanki Theatre Company, Australia
Ernest Thalayasingam MacIntyre Award
Nautanki Theatre is proud to announce the Ernest Thalayasingam MacIntyre Award, recognising an individual of South Asian heritage for their outstanding contribution to theatre and the arts in Australia. Read more
10th Annual South Asian Theatre Mela
You believed in us. Now look what we’re building together In its 10th year, the South Asian Theatre Festival lovingly known as the Annual Theatre Mela, is evolving into a vibrant, multidisciplinary celebration of South Asian arts and culture. Read more
