Tagore, Manto, Orhan Pamuk's works in Delhi

A rare oppurtunity unfolds for theatre lovers in the capital that will see plays of Tagore, Saadat Hasan Manto and Orhan Pamuk being staged under the auspices of National School of Drama.

Works of these masters and many others will feature in National School of Drama's 11th Bharat Rang Mahotsav that begins here tomorrow. The fest, arguably Asia's largest, will also have an exhibition devoted to legendary playwright Badal Sircar.

Fifty one plays from India and 12 from abroad, including two from Pakistan, will keep theatre aficionados busy at the festival to be held from January 8 till 19 across seven venues - Kamani Auditorium, Shri Ram Centre, Meghdoot (open air), LTG Theatre and three theatres in the premises of the NSD - Abhimanch, Sammukh and Bahumukh.

There will be a shorter festival in Lucknow in accordance with NSD's initiative launched in 2005 that each year the Bharat Rang Mahotsav is accompanied by another shorter one organised in a second city. The festival in Lucknow from January 10 to 18 will include productions from the main repertoire.

Meena Nerukar's Marathi play "Awagha Rang Ekach Zaala", depicting the story of Appa Velankar, a well-known kirtankaar and his family, will kickstart the festival.

The play, directed by Ashok Samel, looks at the relationship that develops between a young girl Jenny and Appa and at her attempts to reunite the Velankar family. It also highlights the rich culture and music of the 'kirtan' form as juxtaposed against the growing popularity of fusion music.