‘Bhand Pather revival project’ inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The biggest ever initiative of the rejuvenation of traditional theatre of Kashmir ‘Bhand Pather revival project’ was inaugurated here today at ICCR headquarters Srinagar.
Organised by Natrang in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, the function was presided over by Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Regional Director ICCR, Kashmir and eminent playwright and theatre director Nissar Naseem presented the key note address.
Director Natrang Balwant Thakur, gave an overview of this unique initiative aimed at giving a new flip and ease of life to one of the most vibrant theatre tradition of Kashmir. He informed that under the project, a workshop aimed at infusing fresh creative energy and concept of new playwriting will be followed by the production and performances of twenty (20) new plays in Bhand Pather style with the objective of reviving this great performing art tradition of Kashmir.
In his key note address,  Nissar Naseem stressed on the need of introducing new approaches of contemporary theatre practices. There is a dire urgency to bring in new vibrancy in Bhand Pather by incorporating the contemporary themes to make this amazing theatre form more connected and close to the masses.
Dr  Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Regional Director ICCR, Kashmir, desired the practioners of Bhand Pather to look beyond the old themes and reflect upon the common man’s sufferings through the powerful medium of theatre.
Those who represented the Bhand Pather groups of Kashmir,  included Gh.Mohi-u-din Ajiz (National Bhand Theatre), Fayaz Ahmad ( Valley Folk Theatre), Ali Mohd (Karam Buland Folk Theatre), Bashir Ahmad Bhagat( Kashmir Bhagat Theatre), Gul Mohirpori (Alamdar Bhagat Theatre), Gh. Nabi (Lukeh Pather Centre), Farooq Ahmad Bhagat (Damodar Folk Theatre),Gh Mohd Bhagat (Alamdar Lukeh Pather Centre), Mohd Akram (Shish Mahal Folk Theatre), Mohd Abdullah (Hayat Bhagat Theatre), Gh Mohd (Nundreshi Folk Theatre), Mohd Khalil (Bumai Bhand Theatre), Hassan Betab(Bumai Lukeh Theatre), Bilal Ahmad Bhagat (Gulistan Bhagat Theatre), Habibullah (Sultan Bhagat Theatre), Manzoor Ahmad (Dilkash Folk Theatre), Rayees Wathori (Manisha Folk Theatre), Mohd Sidiq (Baba Rishi Folk Theatre) Abdul Rashid (Manasbal Folk Theatre) and Ghlam Mohd. (Katreshi Folk Theatre).