Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 16: The National School of Drama (NSD), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy, marked the commencement of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav International Theatre Festival at Tagore Hall today.
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The inaugural ceremony witnessed numerous guests and dignitaries from the cultural sphere.
The NSD society member and Film Censor Board member, Vani Tripathi, attended the event as the chief guest, adding prestige to the occasion.
Joining her were Dr. Hina Bhatt, Chairperson of Khadi Village Board Jammu and Kashmir, renowned folk artists Mohiuddin Azim, and Mufti Shafiqur Rehman, senior officers of the Cultural Academy, among others. Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Registrar NSD, was also present, emphasizing the festival’s significance.
The ceremony included the traditional honoring of guests with shawls, symbolizing warmth and respect.
Attendees eagerly awaited the unveiling of the festival’s first-day performance, “Agnitriya,” directed by Sangeeta Tipley.
The presentation captivated a diverse audience of theatre enthusiasts, reflecting the festival’s broad appeal.
Renowned broadcaster Azhar Hajni played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth organization of the event.
The organizers announced that the five-day theatre festival will showcase five captivating plays, each a masterpiece in its own right, spanning various genres and languages.
It’s noteworthy that this year’s event theme revolves around Vasudev Kutumbakam, the nation’s G20 presidency, and Vande Bharangam, an inspiring plea for artistic and theatrical unification worldwide.
Through the performing arts, the festival aims to bring together many cultures and celebrate societal peace, providing an immensely stimulating experience, organizers said.
Theatre-goers will witness the Kashmiri play “Aarmin Pather,” directed by Shah-e-Jehan Ahmad Bhagat on Saturday, followed by writer-director Sachin Malvi’s Hindi play “Sifar” on Sunday.
Bhaskar Mukherjee’s Bengali play “Fele Asa MegaHertz” will be performed on Monday. Writer Nicola Pianzola’s “The Global City,” an English language play, will draw curtains on the festival on Tuesday.
Dr. Hina Bhatt, on the occasion, highlighted the event’s significance in Srinagar, indicating a changed situation in J&K. “Earlier, artists did not have the platform to showcase their talent. This event signifies the change Kashmir is witnessing,” she said.
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