World Theatre Day celebrated
World Theatre Day was celebrated with grandeur at the auditorium of Nritya Tap Academy in Mandi on Wednesday. The event was organised by Utsav Sanstha, Akar Theatre Society and Empowerment of Cultural Development Society in Bhagvan Mohalla, Mandi town. The celebration attracted renowned literary figures and artistes from the region.
Professor Suresh Sharma, former Director of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, graced the event as the chief guest, while Shukla Sharma served as the distinguished guest of honour. The celebration featured insightful discussions by prominent speakers, including senior literary figures Gangaram Raji, Dr Dharmapal Kapoor and Dr Rakesh Kapoor. They deliberated on the current state and future of theatre in Mandi, emphasising the importance of fostering and promoting theatrical activities in the region.
A key theme discussed during the event was the urgent need for a dedicated space where Mandi’s theatre artists could rehearse and stage their plays. The speakers highlighted how such a space would serve as a vital bridge, connecting the city’s youth and children with the world of theatre, thereby cultivating a growing interest in this artistic form.
As part of the celebration, a special theatrical performance of Danda Aoula Doctor directed by Deep Kumar was presented. The play, which featured prominent actors Ved Kumar, Anil Mahant and Deep Kumar in lead roles, was a major highlight of the event.
The event saw the participation of several distinguished personalities, including Roop Upadhyay, Rakesh Dihman, Rajesh Kumar, Jai Kumar, Rampal Malik, Chetan Kapoor, Gaurav Sharma, Vishal Dikshit, Paras Vaidya, Seema Sharma, Erika Sharma, Tanmay Sharma, Kavita Kashyap, Hemlata Sharma, Bhavna Thakur and renowned writers from Sundernagar, Ratanlal Mishra and Surender Mishra. Senior journalists and writers from Mandi, such as Murari Sharma, also attended.
In his address, Professor Suresh Sharma emphasised the importance of unity among Mandi’s theatre artistes to ensure the continuity and growth of theatre in the region. He called on theatre groups to collaborate and support one another, despite working at individual levels.
