The National Theatre Festival in the Indian capital began on a high note with the opening of an iconic play from Kolkata. The play, which has been running for over a decade, is a favorite of audiences in Kolkata and has now made its way to Delhi.
The play, titled “Nabanna,” is a political satire that takes a critical look at the state of agriculture and farmers in India. Written by Manoj Mitra, the play has been directed by Sohini Sengupta and stars a talented cast of actors.
The National Theatre Festival, which is organized by the National School of Drama (NSD), brings together some of the best plays from across the country. This year’s festival has a special focus on regional plays, with several productions in languages such as Assamese, Manipuri, and Marathi.
In his inaugural address, the Director of the NSD, Prof. Suresh Bhardwaj, highlighted the importance of theater in today’s world, especially during the ongoing pandemic. He emphasized the need for theater to engage with social and political issues and create a dialogue between artists and audiences.
The opening night of the festival saw a packed house, with audiences eagerly waiting to see “Nabanna.” The play, which is set in a fictional village, tells the story of a farmer who is struggling to make ends meet. His attempts to improve his condition are thwarted by corrupt officials and politicians who exploit the poor.
The play uses humor and satire to highlight the plight of farmers and draw attention to the challenges they face. The performances by the cast were outstanding, with each actor bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.
The director, Sohini Sengupta, spoke about the challenges of adapting a play that has been running for so long to a new audience. She said that the team had to work hard to make the play relevant to a Delhi audience while retaining its original flavor.
The festival will continue for ten days and will feature some of the best plays from across the country. It will also host a range of workshops, seminars, and discussions on theater and related topics.
The National Theatre Festival is an important event in the Indian theater calendar, providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work. The festival also serves as a meeting point for theater professionals and enthusiasts, allowing them to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and opportunities, and forge new collaborations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the theater industry, with theaters closed for long periods and performances canceled. However, the National Theatre Festival is a welcome reminder that theater is resilient and can adapt to new circumstances.
The festival organizers have taken several precautions to ensure the safety of artists and audiences, including mandatory masks, sanitization, and social distancing. These measures have not dampened the spirit of the festival, and audiences have come out in large numbers to support the plays.
In conclusion, the National Theatre Festival in Delhi has begun on a high note with the opening of “Nabanna,” an iconic play from Kolkata. The festival is a celebration of Indian theater, showcasing the best plays from across the country and providing a platform for artists to engage with social and political issues. The festival is an important reminder of the resilience of the theater industry and its ability to adapt to new circumstances.
