Mumbai, India, Dec 18: The G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi hosted an evocative evening of literature and classical music with Readings & Raagas, presented by the Brain Bristle Foundation. The event featured writer and artist Devangana Mishra, in collaboration with Hindustani classical musician Ananya Halarnkar, bringing together narrative storytelling and raga-based musical expression in an intimate, immersive setting.
The evening opened with Ananya Halarnkar’s rendition of Raag Jog establishing a contemplative atmosphere that framed the literary performance to follow.
Devangana Mishra read selected excerpts from her forthcoming work, May I Bombay?, a literary project that traces the experiences of a young girl growing up in Wadala East during the 1980s. The reading explored themes of memory, urban change, childhood, and belonging, offering audiences a nuanced portrait of Bombay through personal narrative and social observation.
As the founder of the Brain Bristle Foundation, Devangana’s practice spans writing, visual art, and community-based cultural initiatives. Her performance reflected this interdisciplinary approach, positioning literature as a shared and participatory experience rather than a solitary one.
The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by informal audience engagement, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on dialogue and connection. Light refreshments were served.
Readings & Raagas exemplified G5A’s continued commitment to supporting contemporary artistic practices that bridge tradition and experimentation. By placing classical Hindustani music in conversation with contemporary literature, the event highlighted new possibilities for collaborative performance and cultural exchange.