Kalisthenics

A bold, multidisciplinary theatrical experience curated by Kali Theatre’s Artistic Director, Aisha Zia

Close-up of a woman with traditional makeup and jewelry, surrounded by vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers, with only her face and forehead visible.
Close-up of a woman with traditional makeup and jewelry, surrounded by vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers, with only her face and forehead visible.

Photo by Alia Romagnoli

Calisthenics is the art of building strength and flexibility through one's own body, a balance of discipline, control, and flow. 

Kalisthenics reimagines this as a collective act of creativity and endurance. Rooted in the spirit of Kali Theatre, it celebrates the physical, emotional, and imaginative power of South Asian female and non-binary artists through theatre, sound, and installation. Kalisthenics is a season of new work exploring strength, resilience, and community - a space for performance, conversation, and connection. 

At its heart, Kalisthenics asks: What does it mean to be strong - as an individual, as an artist, and as a community - and how do we find balance in a world that demands more?


The season will include:

A full production of four of the best short plays from Discovery past, the Climate Festival and our creative network.

A new work-in-progress sharing from one of our Kalisthenics Resident Artists.

A deep dive into South Asian female plays from the historical archives.

A solo exhibition by our Kalisthenics Resident Visual Artist including new photographs created especially for the season.

And much more!