Tram Arts Trust: Maati Katha
Links Hall
3111 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Links Hall
3111 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Links Hall
3111 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Puppetry
Runs Jan 21Jan 22, 2025

In the dangerous and magical land of Sunderbans – the vast forested delta area in West Bengal (Eastern India) and Bangladesh – great rivers combine and split before merging into the Bay of Bengal. Here, living is a fragile balance between land and water, forest and field, domestic and wild, calm and storm and, of course, people. The legend and philosophy of “Bonbibi” looms large in popular imagination, “You are all connected: the crocodile, the tiger, water, forest, land, all human beings…All!” Real-time sculpting meets traditional storytelling as shape shifting ‘maati’ (clay, mud, soil, earth, land) shines in the Land of 18 Tides.

INDIA

Based in New Delhi and Mumbai, Tram Arts Trust pioneers Object Theatre in India, using everyday objects to create evocative narratives. Their performances blend traditional storytelling with innovative uses of found objects, offering a poetic exploration of heritage and identity. At this year’s festival, Maati Katha brings Indian culture to life through this unique form of puppet theater.

tramarts.org