25th year of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024
Bhubaneswar, February 7th, 2024: Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the international theatre festival of India organized by the National School of Drama (NSD), began on February 1st, 2024. It’s a 21-day cultural event featuring over 150 plays, along with workshops and discussions. The festival will be held in 15 cities across India, highlighting the country’s vibrant performing arts scene.
For a unique cultural experience, join us at the Rabindra Mandap Auditorium from February 8th to 13th during the Bhubaneshwar leg of the festival. Here, attendees will have the opportunity to witness timeless classics, including ‘Agni Aur Bark’ directed by Shri K. S. Rajendram, ‘Chitrangda’ written by Shri Rabindranath Tagore, ‘Tadanta’ written by ShriJ. B. Priestley, ‘Naagmandal’ written by Shri Girish Karnad, longest with a run time of 120 minutes and the last ‘Asharasya Prothom Dibose’, written by Shri Mohan Rakesh and directed by Alok Basu.
The Bhubaneshwar Press Conference, held at the Sanskruti Bhawan, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, showcased luminaries like NSD Director Sh. Chittaranjan Tripathy and NSD Registrar Sh. Pradeep K. Mohanty. This year’s festival is themed ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam,’ a stirring call for global unity among actors and artists. It celebrates social harmony and endeavors to unite diverse cultures through the performing arts, offering a profoundly enriching experience. Join us as we create a shared world, where every soul is part of one grand family.
NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, “As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Over the past quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasizing the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. This year’s festivities will not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our steadfast belief in the transformative power of the performing arts.”
The 25th year of this festival holds special significance as it brings together diverse theatrical voices in a celebration of the magic of theatre. Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues acrossMumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.
This year, NSD has introducedRang Haat, an innovative initiative aiming to create Asia’s first global theatre market. Rang Haat brings together theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters to discover hidden talent, showcase international projects, and foster creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a wider audience, opening doors to potential collaborative ventures and energizing the global theatre scene.
The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions, director-audience dialogues, discussions, and seminars will explore various facets of theatre, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran thespians, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.
