The National School of Drama (NSD)  is announcing the forthcoming 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (Bharangam/BRM), the world’s largest theatre festival. The event is scheduled to take place from February 1st to February 21st, 2024. Spanning across 15 cities in the country,  this  21-day theatre festival will feature over 150 performances, and numerous workshops, discussions, and masterclasses, providing a rich tapestry of  Indian and global theatre traditions. Additionally, this year will commemorate the 25th  anniversary of the inception of Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

The curtain raiser conference was addressed by NSD Director Sh. Chittaranjan Tripathy, NSD Society Chairman Sh.Paresh Rawal, BRM Ambassador Sh.Pankaj Tripathi, Member NSD Society Vani Tripathi, and other prominent members of NSD at the Delhi campus.

This year’s festival revolves around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam, fostering global unity among thespians and artists. Emphasizing social harmony, it seeks to create a sense of a shared world – the entire world one large family, bringing diverse cultures together through the powerful medium of the performing arts for a truly enriching experience.

The 25th year of BRM will kick off with a splendid inaugural ceremony at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on February 1st, 2024. His Excellency Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra accompanied by NSD Chairperson Paresh Rawal, will officially open the festival with a special ceremony. Attendees are in for an unforgettable start to this remarkable theatrical journey, experiencing a celebration of artistic expression with the grand opening play Humare Ram, featuring renowned actor and NSD alumnus Ashutosh Rana.

NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, “As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity.  Over the past quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration,  showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasizing the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive.  This  year’s festivities  will  not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our  steadfast  belief  in  the  transformative power of the performing arts.”

The 25th year of this festival holds special significance as it brings together diverse theatrical voices in a celebration of the magic of theatre. Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across Mumbai,  Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.

In an innovative move, this year  NSD  also introduces  Rang Haat,  an annual initiative aimed at establishing Asia’s inaugural global theatre market and nurturing international collaborations in the theatrical domain. Rang Haat will unite theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters, fostering the discovery of hidden talent, showcasing international projects, and facilitating both creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a broader audience, fostering potential collaborative ventures and injecting dynamism into the global theatre landscape.

The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions,  director-audience dialogues,  discussions,  and seminars will explore various facets of theatre,  sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran thespians, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.

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