The National School of Drama (NSD), established in 1959, stands as a premier theatre training institution globally and is the only one of its kind in India. Renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, NSD is dedicated to advancing the art of theatre through education, innovation, and excellence. In an exciting development, the National School of Drama will host the 17th Asia-Pacific Bond Theatre Schools Festival & Director’s Meet INDIA 2024. This prestigious event, celebrating theatrical education and performance across the Asia-Pacific region, is scheduled to take place from 14th to 20th August 2024 at the NSD campus in New Delhi.

A Platform for Global Theatre Exchange

The Asia-Pacific Bond Theatre Schools Festival (APBTSF) is a biennial event that brings together theatre schools and academies from across the Asia-Pacific region. This festival offers a unique platform to showcase talents, exchange ideas, and explore new theatrical expressions. The 2024 edition will feature a diverse range of performances, workshops, and panel discussions led by esteemed theatre practitioners and educators. The 17th APBTSF will witness participation from 44 delegates representing 8 different countries.

Highlights of the 17th Asia-Pacific Bond Theatre Schools Festival

Day 1 – 14th August 2024: Festival Opening

• The festival will kick off with a performance by first-year NSD students, showcasing the play “Ram Vijay,” directed by Adhyapak Dr. Bhabananda Barbayan.
• The day will conclude with the APB Member Schools Directors Meeting.

Day 2 – 15th August 2024: Student Meet & Opera

• The day will begin with a Student Meet followed by an immersive opera titled “Daiyu Buries Flowers,” presented by the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Day 3 – 16th August 2024: Workshops & Performances

• Workshops include “The Le Jeu Workshop” by Alvin Chiam from Singapore and “Devising Theatre” by Kenjiro Otani.
• A post-lunch session will feature the performance “Death of Ash” followed by a Q&A session.
• The day will close with a workshop on Chinese Opera Acting by Jiali Xu from Shanghai.

Day 4 – 17th August 2024: Dramaturgy & Mythical Performances

• A workshop on Dramaturgy titled “From Personal Experience to Art Experience” by Ms. Sze Wan Poon from Hong Kong.
• The day will also feature the performance “The Myth of the Asura Princess” followed by a Q&A from Mongolia.

Day 5 – 18th August 2024: Masterclasses & Folk Performances

• Masterclass on “Rasaswadna” by Prof. Vidushi Rita G Kothari from India.
• A workshop on Reimagining Folk Performance by Prof. Dr. Md. Israfil from Bangladesh.
• The day will conclude with the performance “Randai” followed by a Q&A session from Indonesia.

Day 6 – 19th August 2024: Lectures & Festival Conclusion

• A lecture on “How to Use Natyashastra Today?” by Prof. Bharat Gupt from India.
• The festival will conclude with the play “Indrajit”-Therukoothu, directed by Kalaimamani Dr. Purisai Kannappa Sambandan and performed by third-year NSD students.

Conclusion

The 17th Asia-Pacific Bond Theatre Schools Festival promises to be a landmark event in the world of theatrical arts, offering a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary performances, insightful workshops, and enriching discussions. As the NSD opens its doors to the global theatre community, this festival will undoubtedly contribute to the rich cultural exchange and the continued evolution of theatre in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024