World's Largest Theatre Festival Arrives in Rohtak for 25th Edition
The prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav, recognized globally as the largest international theatre festival, is set to celebrate its landmark 25th edition with a special segment in Rohtak. From February 9 to 12, the Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLCSUPVA) will transform into a vibrant hub of theatrical excellence, hosting this magnificent cultural event.
Festival Launch and Distinguished Presence
On Wednesday, the official poster for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav was unveiled in a packed ceremony at the DLCSUPVA Guest House. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities including Dr Amit Arya, Vice-Chancellor of DLCSUPVA, Dr Gunjan Malik Manocha, Registrar of the university, and Professor Suman Vaidya, Bharangam coordinator and senior acting expert from the National School of Drama (NSD). This festival is organized by the National School of Drama, New Delhi, in collaboration with DLCSUPVA, marking a significant partnership in promoting performing arts.
Diverse Performances and International Participation
The festival will showcase nationally and internationally acclaimed theatrical performances in various styles and forms. Teams from India and abroad will present their creative works, adding a rich diversity to the event. Dr Amit Arya detailed the performance schedule:
- February 9: Pragya Arts Theatre Group from Delhi will present "Umeed – Manushya Zinda Hai", authored by Sachchidanand Joshi and directed by Lakshmi Rawat.
- February 10: Manch Rangmanch from Amritsar, Punjab, will stage "Sandal Baar", with Harjeet Singh as author and Rahul Maliwal as director.
- February 11: The Department of Fine Arts, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, will showcase "Umar Ka Parwana", authored by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Adish Kumar Verma.
- February 12: Adding an international dimension, Apoorva Theatre Group from Sri Lanka will present "Colombo Hathe Thorana", with Chamika Hathlabaththuwa serving as both author and director.
Cultural Significance and Broader Impact
Addressing theatre enthusiasts, Dr Arya emphasized that recent developments have positioned Rohtak and Haryana's theatre and cultural landscape prominently within India's cultural circuit. Hosting Bharangam in Rohtak represents a meaningful effort for the broader welfare of art forms across India and stands as a proud moment for the city. DLCSUPVA continues to make significant contributions to the state's art and culture, reinforcing its role as a cultural beacon.
The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted that the international theatre festival Bharangam has left an indelible cultural mark across the country. Performances are being held simultaneously in multiple cities including Nagaon, Ranchi, Raipur, Gangtok, Paradeep, Varanasi, Bangalore, Patna, Itanagar, Kolkata, Imphal, Sakhalin, and Dimapur. This decentralized approach aims to bring world-class plays to as many art lovers as possible, democratizing access to theatre.
Expansive Festival Scope and Inclusivity
Professor Suman Vaidya, coordinator of Bharangam, elaborated that the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, organized by NSD, is indeed the largest international theatre festival globally. The full edition runs from January 27 to February 20, spanning 25 days and showcasing more than 277 performances in 228 Indian and international languages, including several underrepresented ones.
This festival is a unique blend of national, international, and regional performances, with participation from theatre groups of nine countries, as well as from every state and union territory of India. Celebrating India's theatrical diversity, Bharangam features performances by groups of children, tribal communities, and artists from marginalized sections. This demonstrates NSD's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and the universalization of theatre, ensuring that the art form reaches all segments of society.
The festival is celebrated at 41 locations across all states, with DLCSUPVA in Rohtak being the sole representative from Haryana, underscoring the city's growing importance in the national cultural arena.
