Multi-lingual drama fest talk of the town

Nagpur: Emotions, visualization and impact that dramas have establish a beautiful relation with the audience. Each drama leaves a deep impression on the mind and heart of the viewers where language is not a barrier.

These feelings were expressed by the drama lovers attending the ongoing 21st Bharat Rang Mahotsav organized by National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, at Sai Sabhagruh, Shankar Nagar. Performers from various states and countries offering diverse themes in their respective language have now become talk of the town.

Two plays in Bengali and Hindi, respectively, received tremendous response. The organizers are confident that artistes from the US and Russia too will continue the trend in the days to come.

Suraj Sharma, director in-charge of NSD, echoed similar thoughts and said multi-lingual plays will sure draw crowds as it is not the language but the acting that plays a major role in understanding the theme.

“Theatre that offers meaningful dramas attracts people from various walks of life, their position in the society notwithstanding. NSD brings out the best in actors. At the same time, it gives an opportunity to the audience to enjoy plays in different languages,” he said.

“We wanted to conduct this festival in Nagpur so that people from nearby districts can also enjoy quality theatre. People are waiting for the US play ‘Live Nukes’ by The Central Scrutinizers, and Russian ‘Djyrybyna, the warrior woman’ by The Olonkho Theatre, Russia,” Sharma said.

“We have selected these plays after a lot of consideration. We hold international film festival every year where we get entries from many countries. Both these plays would sure be loved by actors and spectators,” he added.

Vinod Indurkar, coordinator of the programme, said, “The weeklong festival is offering a potpourri of dramas. Not only are they different from one another in all the respects, they also reflect the culture of theatre. The style of acting and stage presentation from different states and countries will help people judge the dramas in true spirit.”

Hindi play ‘Kaal Yane Andhera’ was staged on the second day by a troupe from Ahmedabad. Bengali play ‘Laharir Rajhanso’ was highly appreciated.

Director of ‘Laharir Rajhanso’ Sekhar Samaddar said, “It was a great opportunity for us to stage a Bengali play. People here are warm and enjoyed the play to the fullest even though a majority of them did not understand the language. This proves the point that language is not a barrier.”

‘Magna Talyakathi’, written by Mahesh Elkunchwar, will be staged on February 15. Venkatesh Naik, director of the play, said, “The actors belong to Panaji. It is a rare opportunity for us to perform at Nagpur from where the playwright belongs. The presentation will definitely connect with the audience.”