A treat for theatre enthusiasts

The drastic evolution of theatre, over the years, has not only helped theatre and those associated with theatre, come into the limelight but this has also brought about a change in the perceptions of people who have started to acknowledge and get involved to make theatre, as an art, a success.

National School of Drama (NSD) will present the 18th ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ (BRM) to be held in the national Capital from February 1 to 2. 

More than 10 countries from around the world including USA, Australia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Poland, Bangladesh, Spain, China, Pakistan, Austria and almost all the states of India will come together to showcase their best theatre talent.

‘World Theatre Forum’ to be a part of BRM, where eminent theatre personalities from various countries will come together. Some of the finest names in the theatre world, including Nana Patekar, Mohan Agashe Pankaj Kapur, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Saurabh Shukla, among others to be a part of the festival. 

BRM will also travel to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Thiruvananthapuram this year. Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (independent charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, government of India and eminent stage and film personality Nana Patekar have consented to be the chief guest and guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony of the 18th ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’.

In an effort to highlight the relevant issues, the festival this year will incorporate seminars on diverse topics such as ‘Rediscovering the Magic of Theatre’, ‘Today in Today’s Theatre’ and ‘Emerging trends in Indian Theatre’ by eminent personalities. Speakers from countries as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Norway, Italy, USA, Brazil and India will grace the event and share their experiences.

BRM will provide a platform to artists coming from remote areas, showcasing more than 300 performances in the venue. These include street play, dance and musical performances, adding to the attraction.

This year, NSD is also planning to set up a Theatre Bazar for the theatre lovers, enthusiasts and audience in general. 

In the Theatre Bazar, products related to theatre will be showcased such as handicrafts, theatre lights, theatre books, musical instruments, madhubani paintings, and mask making artists. A food hub with authentic and traditional cuisines from across the country will be on offer.

The 18th ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ will also pay tribute to Prof. S Ramanujan in the form of a Tamil play Pethannasami Thalattu, a documentary and exhibition based on his work.

Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama said: “This is a platform on which we can really rediscover the magic of theatre by experiencing theatre and connect with this wonderful medium. It is also one of the rare opportunities for artists and audience to see global theatre expressions at one place. ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ is one of the biggest theatre festivals in the world and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone and make this a high quality and enjoyable aesthetic experience for our audiences.”

Shri Ratan Thiyam, chairperson, National School of Drama Society said: “The ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ is a prestigious theatre festival and we select plays keeping in mind the variations of theatre, forms and style along with strong emphasis on in-depth aesthetic expressions, newness and innovation. 

This is a great opportunity not only for existing theatre lovers but new audiences as well to see the best of plays from around the world under one platform.”

The ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ was started in 1999 by the NSD in order to contribute to the growth and development of theatre across the country. 

From being a national festival that presented the work of some of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has grown into an international event, hosting theatre companies from around the world, and is today acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia dedicated solely to theatre

The performances will be held at Abhimanch and Open Air Theatre at the NSD Campus along with LTG Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre. 

Tickets will be available at NSD box office and at the website http://eticket.nsd.gov.in/ in denominations of Rs 50 and Rs 100 at Open Air Theatre and Rs.50, Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 300 at all other venues.