Katha Munch

Founded: 2023

Languages of Performance: English

Katha Munch is a Bay Area–based South Asian storytelling and performance collective, formally established in 2023 with roots in grassroots street theatre beginning around 2021. The group creates original theatrical works that center contemporary South Asian diaspora experiences, often staging productions in English to reach broad and intergenerational audiences. Their work explores themes of identity, belonging, humor, gender dynamics, and immigrant life through a blend of scripted plays, musicals, and devised performance. Distinct for its emphasis on new writing, Katha Munch integrates digital media and emerging technologies into live theatre while maintaining a strong focus on community wellbeing and accessibility. Through initiatives like Katha Munch Teens, the collective also cultivates youth voices, positioning itself as a dynamic and evolving presence within Silicon Valley’s South Asian theater landscape.

Arabian Nights
Katha Munch adapts The Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales woven together through the framing story of Queen Shahrazad.
Arabian Nights
Katha Munch adapts The Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales woven together through the framing story of Queen Shahrazad.
Indian Matchmaking
Indian Matchmaking is a hilarious and heartwarming English-language comedy that follows the journey of a young, independent woman as she navigates the world of arranged marriages. Part-biographical and inspired by true events, the play blends lived experiences with creative storytelling. While certain elements have been adapted for dramatic effect, all characters and names are fictional.
Indian Matchmaking
Indian Matchmaking is a hilarious and heartwarming English-language comedy that follows the journey of a young, independent woman as she navigates the world of arranged marriages. Part-biographical and inspired by true events, the play blends lived experiences with creative storytelling. While certain elements have been adapted for dramatic effect, all characters and names are fictional.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along iwth folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along iwth folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along iwth folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along with folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along iwth folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
The Legend of Kohinoor
The Legend of Kohinoor traces the epic journey of the world’s most (in)famous diamond — from its origins in the Deccan (Southern part of India), through the hands of Indian and West Asian rulers, to its current place in the crown jewels of the British Empire. Featuring North Indian Classical (Hindustani) and South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music of India as well as a North Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, and a South Indian Classical dance form, Kuchipudi, along iwth folk and contemporary dance forms, this play showcases a wide range of dance and musical tradiitons of South Asia.
Munshir Palace
Munshir Palace is a gripping murder mystery set in 1970s Kolkata, India, where secrets whisper through palace walls and every character has something to hide.
Husband on Hire
Set in 1970s India, this laugh-out-loud comedy takes place in a small, tight-knit community where rumors and reputations matter more than reality. When Sheela finds herself under pressure to present the image of a “perfect husband,” she devises an unconventional plan—only for things to spiral into a whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings.
Akbar Birbal - A Musical
Kathak (classical dance) prevalent in Emperor Akbar's court is performed on stage as part of Akbar's court entertainment.
Akbar Birbal - A Musical
The folk tales of Akbar Birbal have tickled and taught us for centuries. The spectacle of the Akbar Birbal play is in the humor and drama of court banter, romance of Akbar & Jodha, and is interspersed with live music & dance sequences that add to the charm of Akbar’s court. Emperor Akbar handpicked the brightest minds of his vast empire to create the illustrious Nau Ratan (nine gems) of his Mughal court. Foremost among them, and some say Akbar’s closest friend, was Raja Birbal - a man of wit, courage and sagacity. Akbar Birbal brings together over 75 of SF Bay Area’s best actors, dancers & musicians for the first time in East Bay.
2 Kilos
2 Kilos – a romantic dramedy about love, insecurities, and the little things that weigh big on the heart.

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