It’s the time of the year again when the bone-chilling cold is cured by the ample amber and colourful costumes that permeate the city’s theatre scene. Arguably the most celebrated theatre festival in the Capital, the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) is set for some heart-warming acts that go live from today.
The 16th edition of the annual affair will stage 71 productions from India and abroad, with the focus on multiple facets of Indian drama, this time. The fest, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), not only provides a platform for aspiring actors to showcase their talent at an international level, but also presents the best productions from every nook and corner of the country.
“This year’s plays have been selected from the 362 national and 54 international entries. BRM is not only about urban theatre but also the rural and traditional theatre. With such exchange of knowledge and culture, NSD aims to be the ultimate platform of cultural exchanges in theatre, globally,” says Waman Kendre, director of NSD. The first play to be staged today at the festival is Chhaya Shakuntalam, which is based on Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntalam.
The act has been directed by KN Panikkar and will be performed by the NSD Repertory Company. A special emphasis on folk and traditional theatre can be seen this year, as 11 productions will depict this genre. Some of these include Therukoothu from Tamil Nadu, Bhand Pather from Jammu and Kashmir, Marathi traditional theatre — Tamasha, and Rajasthan folk theatre — Bhavai. Along with these productions, international acts from Japan, China, Poland, Germany and other countries will also be staged over a span of 16 days.
{{/usCountry}}The act has been directed by KN Panikkar and will be performed by the NSD Repertory Company. A special emphasis on folk and traditional theatre can be seen this year, as 11 productions will depict this genre. Some of these include Therukoothu from Tamil Nadu, Bhand Pather from Jammu and Kashmir, Marathi traditional theatre — Tamasha, and Rajasthan folk theatre — Bhavai. Along with these productions, international acts from Japan, China, Poland, Germany and other countries will also be staged over a span of 16 days.
{{/usCountry}}In addition, a parallel fest from January 9 will be held at Imphal and Guwahati. The eight-day gala is an attempt to promote theatre forms in the culturally rich north-east. The parallel event will witness three international and three national plays.
Catch it live
What: 16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav — an international theatre festival
When: January 4 - 19
For timings, schedule and locations: www.nsdtheatrefest.com
NEAREST METRO STATION: Mandi House on the Blue Line