When was the last time you witnessed Delhi being immersed in all things artsy? It is just the right time to be in Delhi for its creative hubs and sheer vibrance. From theatre plays to street art festivals; you name it and the capital has it. Like every year, National School of Drama is back with Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Interestingly, it has not only widened its horizon to theatre companies from around the world but has emerged Asia’s largest festival this time too.
With the theme of ‘Breaking the Borders’, there’s a varied calendar that this 17th edition offers. Apart from fine showcase of theatre abilities, it also has rock shows by college bands, seminars with Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj, sessions with photographer Raghu Rai and a classical concert with Ustad Zakir Hussain for the visitors.
A total of 82 plays have been shortlisted out of 500 applications this time. Out of which there are not only plays that feature big names from the industry but also some brilliant student productions including ‘Tar Aaya’, ‘Land Where Life Is Good’. Anupam Kher starrer ‘Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha’ and a non-verbal play ‘The Bird’s Eye View’ are some of the top attractions.
One aspect that makes this festival stand out is the addition of international performances. Featuring plays from Pakistan, Sri Lanka US, Bangladesh, Italy and China, it seems to be much more promising than the previous years. ‘Dear Children, Sincerely…’ from Sri Lanka, ‘Stage Directions of O’Neil’ from New York, ‘Rags of Memory’ from Italy’ are the highlights this year.
With a series of special performances ‘Tomare Smaran Kori Rupokar’ and ‘Jamal-e-Begum Akhtar’, the birth centenary of thespian Shambhu Mitra and the evergreen Ghazal queen Begum Akhtar will be marked.
Every corner, and every nook of NSD is just too vibrant to be missed. Just in case you aren’t interested in the plays, there’s an all new initiative ‘Theatre Bazaar’ waiting for you. From Bob Marley posters to old hard-copy novels, it is just the one-stop store for all your creative desires.
Needless to say, the food courts that have been set up this time see much more number of people than the amphitheaters combined. Shwarma, muffins, paranthas; foodies all around will just be delighted to visit this ongoing fair for the obvious reasons.
Tickets for this festival which can be purchased online or at NSD, Mandi House. The bookings are being done in phases; with the first one already in process till February 7. The other two will commence from Feb 8 and Feb 14 respectively.
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