PenNaatak is the University of Pennsylvania's one and only South Asian theatre group. We aim to shine a spotlight on contemporary South Asian culture and society through our performances. 

 

Naatak puts up one production every semester, and our plays are usually South Asian in theme or by a South Asian playwright. Over the last few years, Naatak has tried hard to allow itself to mould into a number of various genres. Its style and versatility has really grown as we try to incorporate a wide variety of plays ranging from comedy, romance and suspense.

 

Naatak needs no prior experience in acting, in fact most of its members are first time actors and have been trained during the course of the production. Even if you believe acting is not for you, Naatak has a large number of technical positions as well, ranging from assistant director to set designer, lights and sounds. There’s a place for everyone who wants to be involved to fit in!

 

Practice hours vary between departments in the production with the work load getting a little heavier in the week leading up to the play. Actors put in an average of 8 hours a week into a practice depending on the length and demands of his/her role. Set designers and set crew put in 3-4 hours a week usually consistently throughout the semester while the light and sound designer have a heavier commitment during the last week of the show.

 

Naatak is an extremely fun, light hearted and close-knit group of people with members often becoming each others’ closest friends at Penn. With a number of social outings planned during the semester and after the production, the group ensures that interactions and friendships take place across departments. We encourage all of you to come try out for PenNaatak!
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The Executive Board for 2013-2014 is as follows:

Chair

Shreshth Khilani

SEAS '16

Vice-Chair

Pallavi Surana

College '16

Creative Director

Nikhil Venkatesa

College '17

Technical Director

Ahmed Mohieldin

SEAS '17