International Theatre Festival of India: Folk play ‘Armeen Pathear’ charms audience in Kashmir Valley
Srinagar, February 18
As the folk play ‘Armeen Pathear’ began at the Tagore Hall here on Saturday afternoon, a beautiful village scene emerged with a morning ritual at a shrine. The poetry of Kashmiri patron saint Nund Reshi, performed by a live Sufiyana, captured the audience. Their response? Thunderous applause.
Preserving culture
The meticulous stage adaptation modernised the play, ensuring its relevance and resonance with contemporary audiences while preserving its cultural significance. Arshad Mushtaq, playwright
The play talks about the challenges faced by local vegetable growers and agriculturists, addressing the issue of ‘begaar’ (forced labor). It was performed on the second day of the International Theatre Festival of India-2024 at the Tagore Hall in Srinagar. The festival commenced on February 16 and will conclude on February 20.
The play, presented by National Bhaand Theatre and directed by Shah-e-Jehan Baghat, with a modern stage adaptation by Arshad Mushtaq, portrays scenes from life in Kashmir, including weddings, agricultural fields, and encounters, in vibrant colors. The performance saw transition from the traditional open-field setting to a front-of-house stage.
Mushtaq said ‘Armeen Pathear’ emerged as an authentic and immersive experience, staying true to the essence of the classic folk Bhaand narrative practiced by folk artists for centuries in Kashmir. “The meticulous stage adaptation modernised the play, ensuring its relevance and resonance with contemporary audiences while preserving its cultural significance,” he said.
He said the significance of this performance extends beyond its artistic achievements. “For centuries, the Bhaand form of theatre has been traditionally performed in open fields, courtyards of shrines, bazaars, and other open-air spaces, deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture and heritage. However, with ‘Armeen Pathear’ gracing the proscenium stage, a new chapter has been written in the history of this rich folk tradition,” he added.
Bhand Pather stands as an age-old traditional folk theatre of Kashmir, traditionally staged in open-air venues. These performances, known as “pather,” are led by characters called “bhands.” Bhands engage audiences through satirical and realistic dramas, often delivered as monologues.
“The transition from open-air settings to a formal theatre stage not only symbolises the evolution of Kashmiri folk theatre but also opens up new avenues for exploration and innovation. This fusion of tradition and modernity will surely breathe new life into age-old narratives,” he adds.
“In essence, Armeen Pathear represents more than just a theatrical production—it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Kashmiri folklore. By embracing contemporary theatre practices while staying true to its roots, this performance sets a precedent for the revitalization of traditional art forms in the modern world,” said Mushtaq.
