National School of Drama Concludes 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Meghalaya with Global Theatre Showcase
The National School of Drama (NSD), an autonomous institution operating under the Union Ministry of Culture, successfully organized the Meghalaya chapter of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav. This prestigious event, recognized as the world's largest international theatre festival, was hosted at the West Garo Hills district library auditorium in Tura, Meghalaya.
Festival Highlights and Duration
The festival spanned from January 27 to February 20, presenting an extensive lineup of over 277 theatrical productions. These performances were delivered in an impressive array of 228 Indian and international languages, emphasizing the festival's commitment to linguistic diversity and global cultural exchange.
Director's Vision and Theme
Chittaranjan Tripathy, the director of NSD, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Meghalaya, with its scenic beauty, has consistently produced exceptional theatrical talents and serves as an ideal environment for nurturing art and culture." He elaborated on the festival's theme, 'Samvad Sanskritiyon Ka', which translates to 'Dialogue of Cultures'. This theme is centered on promoting meaningful conversations and interactions among diverse cultural backgrounds.
Tripathy further explained, "In alignment with our vision, we have intentionally incorporated several underrepresented languages and dialects into this year's festival. Our goal is to make theatre as inclusive and accessible as possible. The Tura edition represents a significant step forward in this ongoing endeavor."
Featured Performances in Tura
The Tura edition of the festival featured two notable plays on February 17. The first production was 'Ku Bilbat Muni', which translates to 'Nightmare of Using Mobile Phones by Children'. This Garo-language play was written and directed by Balsrame A Sangma and presented by A-Chik Theatre, Tura. It addressed contemporary social issues through local linguistic and cultural lenses.
The second performance was 'The Wise Creature', a multilingual play written and directed by Jyoti Narayan Nath. Presented by Anubhav — The Actors Guild from Guwahati, this production offered a compelling theatrical experience by seamlessly blending multiple languages and perspectives. It effectively showcased the richness and versatility of regional theatre traditions, highlighting the power of storytelling across linguistic boundaries.
Conclusion and Impact
In a concluding statement, the organizers reflected on the festival's success, noting, "The drama festival concluded on a high note, delivering an enriching cultural experience to audiences in Meghalaya. It successfully brought together performers, theatre enthusiasts, and community members in a vibrant celebration of storytelling and stagecraft." The event not only entertained but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the arts, reinforcing Meghalaya's role as a hub for cultural innovation and dialogue.
