We recently had the pleasure of attending ‘The Money Opera‘, an immersive and somewhat interactive theatrical production that left us pondering life’s complexities. Let’s dive into our experience of this unique and offbeat play, which we caught on the 2nd October holiday in the heart of Delhi.

The Setting: A Dilapidated Building in Okhla

Theatre experience with no stage!! Imagine stepping into a dilapidated building in Okhla, where each room hosts a different story told by a different artist. As we made our way to the venue, the excitement was palpable. The theme of ‘The Money Opera’ promised tales of love, money, greed, and raw human emotions, and we couldn’t wait to see how these unfolded.

The evening began with an enchanting opera performance outside the building, setting the stage for what was to come. Soon, the actors led us inside, and that’s when the real adventure began.

The Money Opera – An Immersive Journey

Inside, we found ourselves in a world of mystery and intrigue. Random groups were formed, and almost spellbound, we moved to different rooms. While we were engrossed in the story happening in that room, we overheard the sound of ghungru coming from another room. It sent shivers down our spines, knowing that simultaneous stories were unfolding in various rooms, on different floors and maybe even on staircases who knows… It was as unique as it could get, and we were completely drawn in.

For an hour and a half, we sat in rapt attention, trying to absorb everything happening in our room and mentally preparing ourselves for what the unknown might bring in the next. The actors were true professionals, delivering powerful performances that left us in awe. Directed by Amitesh Grover and written by Sarah Mariam, their singing, acting, and emotional portrayal were praiseworthy and added to the overall experience of this layered, nuanced theatre.

A Diverse Cast and a Social Commentary

What made ‘The Money Opera’ even more intriguing was the diverse cast of characters inhabiting the space. They came from varied socio-cultural backgrounds, featuring a mix of professional actors and real-life performers. This diversity added depth to the narratives, showcasing a spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

A Glimpse into a Bigger Festival

‘The Money Opera’ is not just a standalone event. It’s part of the larger Serendipity Arts Festival, South Asia’s biggest inter-disciplinary festival. Every year, this festival ventures into new territories to make the celebration of arts inclusive and accessible to people across geographies. This year, the Foundation behind it has launched the #BeyondSerendipity campaign, taking various forms of arts to Indian cities.

Pin It To Read Later

‘The Money Opera’ is a preview – a tiny part of the grand Serendipity Arts Festival, which is scheduled to take place in Goa at the year-end. So, if you’re as intrigued by this theatrical experience as we are, you’ll have another chance to explore its wonders on a larger scale.

Our Verdict

Despite a few minor hiccups (starting 30 minutes late and one of the stories was picked from the Hindi movie Debshishu), we had an incredible time at ‘The Money Opera.’ We urge all you theatre lovers out there to catch this play while it’s still being staged in Delhi. You won’t regret it!

Details for the Theater Buffs

‘The Money Opera’ is running until the 8th of October, with two shows every day at 6:30 PM and 8 PM. The 90-minute performance promises to be a thought-provoking journey, and tickets are available on BookMyShow. Don’t miss out on this unique theatrical experience right here in our beloved Delhi, the city of stories.

Note: Videography is prohibited. Photography is allowed but flash photography is prohibited.

Also Read: Best Places To Watch Theatre In Delhi

Venue for The Money Opera

The Factory,
E-147, Okhla Phase 3 Rd, Okhla Phase III,
Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110020