Festival In Focus: Short+Sweet South India 2025

Ten minutes can change everything: Here are 5 reasons why you should attend the Short+Sweet South India 2025 edition!

In an era of dwindling attention spans, where reels rule and audiences often zone out within thirty seconds, telling a complete story has become a challenge. Yet, Short+Sweet has consistently proved this notion wrong. For more than a decade, it has held audiences spellbound with short plays that run no longer than ten minutes, showcasing stories across genres and geographies.

Originating in Sydney, Australia in 2002, Short+Sweet has grown into an international phenomenon. It now curates and presents a wide spectrum of short-form theatre festivals in collaboration with local partners worldwide. Its South India edition, returning to Chennai in 2025, has become one of the most awaited theatre events in the region. 

Photo: Short+Sweet South India

Here’s why you should not miss the 2025 edition.

  1. Infinite stories in just minutes: Ten minutes. That is all the performers get here. But in that fleeting time, entire worlds unfold on stage. From laughter to heartbreak, satire to silence, chilling thrillers to whimsical fiction, Short+Sweet South India demonstrates that brevity can be just as powerful as grandeur.
  2. The 2025 edition is all about impact: Each show packs in nine to ten short plays that promise to move you, make you laugh, and leave you craving more.
  3. You don’t just experience, you also participate: As GenZ  would say, this one “hits different” because you are not just watching theatre, you are part of it. Here, your opinion and your vote help decide which plays advance to the Grand Gala. It is democracy in its most entertaining form.
  4. Gully to Global: What makes Short+Sweet truly special is its global reach paired with local relevance. From Sydney to South Africa, the festival has traveled across continents and now thrives in South India, spotlighting bold voices, fresh talent, and stories that resonate with diverse audiences. This is more than a theatre festival, it is an experience. Emerging artists share the stage with seasoned performers, creating moments of raw, unfiltered creativity. Who knows? You might witness the beginnings of tomorrow’s stars.
  5. Light on your pocket: The best part: it is theatre that is accessible. With tickets priced at just ₹250 (₹150 for students), Short+Sweet offers cultural richness at a fraction of the cost of a movie ticket. Drama, comedy, and culture come together in one evening, an affordable theatre experience with priceless impact.

Photo: Short+Sweet South India

While debates continue about feature films, OTT platforms, and the future of cinema, Short+Sweet has quietly carved out its own niche. It has shown the world that sometimes less is more, and that ten minutes can be enough to tell a truly unforgettable story.

If you are in or around Chennai, this is Short + Sweet South India 2025 cannot be missed!

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For more articles on festivals in India, check out our Read section of this website.

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