Srinagar: On the occasion of World Theatre Day, Actors Creative Theatre (ACT) in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) inaugurated the second edition of ‘Spring Theatre Festival’ at Tagore Hall here.
The seven day festival staged four plays on the inaugural day. The plays included ‘Aisi Sapdav Kaamyaab’ by Shehjar Children Theatre Group (Writer / Director- Hakeem Javaid, Kashmiri), ‘Acche Din Ayenge’ (a street play) by Delhi Public School (Writer / Director- Sajid Reshi, Hindi / Urdu), ‘Na Malnich Na Worwich’ by S P College (Writer- Umer Shabbeer, Director- Umar Shabbeer & Semaan Fatima, Kashmiri) and ‘Repercussions of Drug Abuse’ by Muslim Public School (Writer / Director- Rumaisa, Urdu).
Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Culture & Tourism J&K who was chief guest on the occasion said he is happy that theatres are reviving back in the valley. “There was a time when our artists and youth had suffered but now things are turning normal and theatres are coming back,” he said.
Sarmad said that Kashmiri youth have tremendous talent but need a platform to showcase it. “We have done a tie-up with the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi and soon we would be holding the classes for youth,” he said.
“We are also planning to set up such schools where youth can be taught about theatres,” he added.
Director Tourism Kashmir G N Itoo said, “We have been promoting the valley’s art, culture, handicraft and cuisine but now we will work and see how we can promote the theatre culture of Kashmir like open air theatres.”
“We are ready to provide all the support to Mushtaaque and his team whenever needed,” he said.
The other guests who were present on the occasion included S. Humayun Qaisar, former director All India Radio Srinagar, Mushtaq Zargar from J&K Sports Council, Incharge Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages Farooq Anwar Mirza, senior actor of Kashmir Tariq Javaid and filmmaker Mushtaq Bala.
On the first day, a large gathering (mostly youth) of the audience including theatre persons witnessed the play and appreciated the performers.
The festival director Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan said that the main purpose of this festival is to start the theatre activities once again after a gap of more than two years.

KR Desk