Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 6: A five-day theatre festival organized by the National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory Company in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages was inaugurated at Tagore Hall today.
Renowned cine personality and Chairperson of NSD, Paresh Rawal, delivered a virtual inaugural speech on the occasion. It was the first time that the NSD Repertory Company performed its plays in Srinagar.
The festival was presided over by the Director of NSD, Chittranjan Tripathy. Administrative Secretary of the Department of Culture, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, was the guest of honor. Renowned cultural personality Bashir Dada was the special guest.
The ceremony was co-hosted by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages’ In-charge, Mirza Farooq Ahmad, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Ramesh Singh, Chief of the Repertory Company.
Theatre dignitaries present on the occasion included Mohammad Amin Bhat, Nisar Naseem, Mushtaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Bhawani Bashir Yasir, Shabir Mujahid, Rashid Barqi, Javed Gilani, Shafiq Qureshi, Reshi Rashid, and others. The festival was attended by a large audience.
The play “Laila Majnu,” written by Ismail Chunara and directed by the living legend of Indian Theatre, Padma Prof. Ram Gopal Bajaj, was showcased in the inaugural ceremony.
On November 7, 2023, at 3 pm, Asif Ali’s “Khoob Ladi Mardaani Subhadra Ki Zubani,” directed by Bharti Sharma, will be showcased.
On November 8, 2023, at 3 pm, Vijaydan Detha’s “Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun,” directed by Ajay Kumar, will be showcased.
On November 9, 2023, at 3 pm, Dharamvir Bharati’s “Andha Yog,” directed by Prof. Ram Gopal Bajaj.
On November 10, 2023, at 3 pm, Ajay Shukla’s “Taj Mahal Ka Tender,” directed by Chittranjan Tripathy, who happens to be the Director of NSD.
The organizers said that the theatre enthusiasts, students, and gatherings can make it an excellent choice for families and friends looking for a unique experience. “All the plays will be staged daily until November 10, 2023, at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, starting at 3.00 pm.”