23rd-29th March 2023
Kamani Auditorium & Shri Ram Center
New Delhi


The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), now in its 18th year, continues to applaud the finest in Indian theatre and set benchmarks for excellence. Instituted by the Mahindra Group with the objective of becoming a significant platform for theatre across regions, states and dialects in India, META is Indian theatre's most definitive award that recognises all aspects of the stage, including playwriting, set, costume and light design, direction and performance. As the world grappled with a pandemic between 2020 and 2021, the show didn't stop for META and saw the META stage going virtual with magnificent productions showcased online for theatre-lovers and connoisseurs. In 2022, we came back with a physical showcase of four award-winning plays from META 2020, the 15th edition. In 2023, we are back to where we belong - the stage - with business as usual! META 2023 is now open for entries and will select ten best productions from the received submissions to be staged in New Delhi in March 2023, following which the winners for META 2023 will be judged by the META Jury. The winners will be announced at a glittering award show.

Programme 2023

Namak

Thursday | 23 March 2023 | 08:00 PM
Venue: Kamani

Burn Out

Friday | 24 March 2023 | 06:00 PM
Venue: Shri Ram Centre

Lavani Ke Rang

Friday | 24 March 2023 | 08:00 PM
Venue: Kamani

THE DEPARTED DAWN

Saturday | 25 March 2023 | 06:00 PM
Venue: Shri Ram Centre

VIA SAVARGAON KHURD

Saturday | 25 March 2023 | 08:00 PM
Venue: Kamani

Chaai Garam

Sunday | 26 March 2023 | 06:00 PM
Venue: Shri Ram Centre

HUNKARO

Sunday | 26 March 2023 | 08:00 PM
Venue: Kamani

Nooramma: Biriyani Durbar

Monday | 27 March 2023 | 06:00 PM
Venue: Shri Ram Centre

Daklakatha Devikavya

Monday | 27 March 2023 | 08:00 PM
Venue: Kamani

Notion(s): In Between You & Me

Tuesday | 28 March 2023 | 06:00 PM
Venue: Shri Ram Centre

Over the years, META has given voice to diverse themes ranging from contemporary and pressing social issues, mythology, religion, gender, caste, politics, and classics, through the plays it has showcased.

META aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Indian theatre and is the only national arena for recognizing and rewarding the country’s best productions and theatre-practitioners. Out of the over 400 plays received every year, 10 are nominated to be staged over a week in Delhi and vie for the coveted awards. The Awards Night is awaited across theatre communities in the country, when awards in 13 categories and a Lifetime Achievement Award, are given out.

Know More

META Over the Years

1680
+

Theatre Productions

3560
+

Plays Submitted

3878
+

Artistes

26

States & Union Territories

What Theatre Veterans Say
About META