Representative image for theatre.
Credit: Pixabay Photo
The National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, is hosting an international theatre festival in Bengaluru in collaboration with the Karnataka Nataka Academy. The festival, called 2025 Bharat Rang Mahotsav, opened on February 1 and will conclude on February 8.
‘One Expression, Supreme Creation’ is the theme of the festival, now in its 25th edition. It aims to celebrate the diversity of theatre from around the world. So far, theatre companies from Karnataka and Delhi in India, and Russia have staged their plays. These include ‘A Friend Beyond the Fence’ by Kalabhi Theatre, ‘The Marriage of Balzaimov’ by the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), and ‘Mai Ri Mai Ka Se Kahun’ and ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’ by the NSD Repertory Company.
The upcoming plays include ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Paakuduraallu’, ‘Yayati’, and ‘Jasma Odan’. In ‘Romeo and Juliet’, V4 Theatre Group attempts to bridge the gap between Shakespeare’s Elizabethan England and contemporary Sri Lanka, where the group is based. ‘Paakuduraallu’ is a production by Hyderabad’s Nibha Theatre Ensemble. It portrays the gruelling life of artistes in the film industry. ‘Yayati’, presented by Maharashtra’s Bagban Theatre, is an adaptation of Girish Karnad’s play centred on a mythological king cursed with premature old age. NSD Bengaluru Centre will perform ‘Jasma Odan’ in Bhavai, a centuries-old folk theatre style from Gujarat. The play, based on the legend of Jasma Odan — a woman who self-immolates to protect her honour — also addresses contemporary themes of social justice, human dignity, and resilience.
After each show, the previous day’s play is discussed in an open forum involving its director and cast. Additionally, mimes, skits, and folk plays such as Yakshagana will be featured at the festival. College theatre groups have also set up booths at the venue to exhibit photographs from their past performances.
Until February 8, 5 pm to
9 pm, at Kalagrama Auditorium, Nagarabhavi. Details on bengaluru.nsd.gov.in