The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the air is electrified with anticipation. The Kashmir Performers Collective and Manzoor Mir’s Academy of Arts proudly are going to present a mesmerizing 7-Day Multilingual National Theatre Festival, a celebration of talent, resilience, and the power of art.
Picture this: a week-long extravaganza, from October 9th to October 16th, 2023, where the curtains rise promptly at 3 pm each day, unveiling seven magnificent plays that will transport you to a world of emotions and leave you spellbound.
Under the visionary direction of Manzoor Ahmad Mir, a luminary in the realm of theatre, this festival promises to be a milestone for both the artists and the audience. With the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, as well as the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala Punjab, this event is poised to captivate hearts and minds.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team led by Gulfam Barji, the festival’s media supervisor, has been working tirelessly to ensure the seamless success of this grand event. Mudasir Ahmad Khan, Mehrajuddin Bhat, Reyaz Ahmad Mir, Ashaq Hussain Najar, and Tanveer Ahmad Bhat are the unsung heroes, ensuring every detail is perfect, every moment is magical.
Now, let’s delve into the lineup of plays that will grace the stage during this extraordinary festival. Prepare yourself for the thought-provoking “Muntazir,” a play that will challenge your beliefs and ignite introspection. Brace your heart for the soul-stirring “Aalaw dee Tow,” a performance that will touch the deepest recesses of your soul. And be ready for the hard-hitting “Kadwa Sach,” a play that will confront uncomfortable truths head-on.
But that’s not all. Your emotions will soar during “Aes Roazay Yatti,” a heartfelt tale that will leave you with a renewed sense of compassion. You’ll be transported to the poignant world of “Toba Tek Singh,” where boundaries are blurred and humanity is laid bare. And prepare to be enthralled by “Chitti Singh,” a performance that will dance with your senses and challenge your perception of reality. Lastly, be prepared for the gripping “Mujrim Main Nahin Par Main Hi hon,” a play that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment.
Behind each of these theatrical masterpieces stands a director, a craftsman of emotions, who has poured their heart and soul into bringing these stories to life. Surya Mohan Kulsheshtra (SNA Awardee), Farhat Sidiqi, Dayal Krishen Nath, Ashraf Nagoo, Sunita Tiwari Nagpal, Ravinder Sharma, and Rohit Bhat are the maestros who will guide the performers on this transformative journey.
But here’s the best part – entry to this extraordinary festival is absolutely free! We believe that art should be accessible to all, that every member of the community should have the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre. We invite you to join us, to immerse yourself in the power of storytelling, and to be moved by the universal themes that these plays explore.
For the artists involved, this festival represents a beacon of hope amidst the trials and tribulations of the past 30 years. It is a chance to showcase their talent, reconnect with their roots, and especially demonstrate the indomitable spirit of Kashmir’s theatre community.
So, let us come together, hand in hand, to support and applaud the incredible talent of national performers. Let us create a platform that transcends boundaries, that inspires dialogue, and that celebrates the beauty of diversity. Together, we can make this festival a resounding success, a testament to the enduring power of the arts.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare to be mesmerized. The Kashmir Performers Collective and Manzoor Mir’s Academy of Arts proudly invite you to be a part of this momentous celebration of art, culture, and resilience. See you at the theatre!
