Mysuru: The Lions Club of Mysore West presents an evening of literature and theatre with internationally acclaimed playwright and theatre director Vijay Padaki on June 8 (Sunday) at 4.30 pm at  Lions Sevaniketan School, 5th Cross, Gokulam 3rd Stage, Mysuru.

Vijay Padaki will launch two volumes of his newly published short stories collection books (The First Offering and The Last Cheetah), which feature a delightful range of characters and a captivating variety of storylines, showcasing his hallmark wit and narrative flair. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere and Ravi Joshi, former Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, will be the guests of honour. City-based author Sujata Rajpal will be in conversation with Vijay Padaki.

The book launch will be followed by a theatre performance of ‘Robi’s Garden’ by Vijay Padaki and Minti Jain. This production is part of Bangalore Little Theatre’s (BLT) signature Courtyard Theatre series, an initiative staging fully rehearsed, minimalist plays performed by just two actors, without elaborate sets. ‘Robi’s Garden’ is inspired by the humorous writings of Rabindranath Tagore (Robi-da). Admission is free. For details, contact Mob: 98864-06726.

Vijay Padaki is a psychologist and behavioural scientist by training and a theatre educator by passion. He was a member of the founding faculty at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Director of a Centre for Management for the textile industry in Ahmedabad, and a visiting Professor at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from ASSITEJ International. (International Association of theatre for Children and young people), Vijay Padaki has been active in theatre for over sixty years. He has written over 50 plays and translated over a dozen other play scripts.

Bangalore Little Theatre (since 1960) is Bangalore’s oldest and most widely respected theatre society. It is a membership-based organisation, with a highly participatory form of management. BLT has a strong reputation in translations and adaptations, and in promoting new play writing activity. Its enduring commitment to outreach activity has led to education and training initiatives, working with schools, colleges and other institutions.