Theatre in Kashmir despite its limited presence continued to bear the brunt of various emerging challenges on the entertainment front and artists are
struggling for survival .
In the bustling world of entertainment, where lights and cameras often steal the limelight, theatre stands as a timeless stage where artists are born, nurtured, and celebrated. As the world gears up to commemorate World Theatre Day Kashmir is losing the stage with hundreds of artists facing hardships. Jammu and Kashmir a land of rich culture and heritage successfully passed on from generation to generation. However, the current situation is pushing the artists to the wall and theatre artists are suffering on all fronts.
Since 1962, World Theatre Day has been celebrated by theatre professionals, theatre organizations, universities and theatre lovers worldwide on the 27th of March. It may be recalled that this day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.
Artists from valley have given their life for theatre. In 1990’s when there was political turmoil , people used to stay back indoors to save their lives while they(artists) used to serve in theatres , without caring about their lives. It’s not only that they should care about their lives it’s about they were very passionate about their art. They used to love their work most importantly they used to respect their people not even caring about their caste , creed ,color or religion . Everyone was used to serve under one roof. Artists in Kashmir have seen everything from rise to fall. But it was only artist who remained consistent whatever the condition was .But with passage of time the artists during pandemic went through a dark phase, not only artist but everyone. Still they continued and emerged as winners.During 1990’s people used to watch DD Kashmir, Doordarshan with their families with fevor as they used to love to watch but with the advancement of social media influence people used to neglect these things intentionally or unintentionally. One time was when people used to love the characters and used to be like them now the scenario has changed even our kids don’t know the life their parents have lived while watching the characters like Ahadraaz, Johny etc etc.What is a theatre?Collaborative form of performing art where usually actors and actresses perform live shows, to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place, often a stage . With combination of gestures , speech songs, music and dance the performers may communicate this experience to the audience. The elements used for art such as Painted scenery and stagecraft such as lighting are used to enchance the physicality ,presence and immediacy of the artists.Who is an artist?An actor who uses the stage for performance based on a real or fictional story in front of a live audience in one take is known as Theatre Artist. Theatre artist is different from TV or movie actors as they do not get second chance to perform. They use songs, musicals, poems, drama, dance, speech to exhibit their art. As theatre artist never uses in their plays a cut which is usually seen in movies.
The theatre artists in Kashmir had to struggle hard from the very beginning not only to establish themselves but also to popularise the theatre here. Unlike other parts of the country, the theatre could not gain that much popularity and could not create too much space for itself here.
Still those associated with it were trying their level best to work hard and move forward. In the process some eminent theatre personalities came into limelight and got appreciation for their work.
The main theatre activity area continued to remain confined to Srinagar city and a couple of towns. Drama clubs were also set up at various places. The traditional folk theatre -”Band Pather”- which was earlier very popular, though mostly in rural areas, too lost sheen with the passage of time
It is hardly visible now. Most senior artists have passed away and their younger generations have switched over to other professions. Dramas of Radio Kashmir Srinagar remained popular for a long time among the listeners.
Later the arrival of Doordarshan squeezed the space of radio to some extent. Theatre in Kashmir despite its limited presence continued to bear the brunt of various emerging challenges on the entertainment front. Today when it is struggling for survival, there is no end to the challenges.
It is hardly visible now. Most senior artists have passed away and their younger generations have switched over to other professions. Dramas of Radio Kashmir Srinagar remained popular for a long time among the listeners.
Theatre is a great reflection of our society. We have a rich legacy of our art and culture and we must work for it.On this day, we must gather to introspect, weep, remember, laugh, contemplate and to learn and to affirm and imagine in the world of theatre. There is a lot to be done and we must gather to learn and unlearn and appeal to our society to be compassionate for the theatre arts and crafts.
