Spicezee Bureau
New Delhi, June 27: The National School of Drama`s Repertory Summer Festival has always been one of the much-awaited theatrical events, and it is best known for giving recognition to the latent, yet vibrant and throbbing, talent. Senior theatre artistes participate in the festival, allowing for a synthesis of experience and fresh blood.
Summer Theatre Festival this year at the premises of NSD was dedicated to the eminent playwright Late Shri Vijay Tendulkar, who passed away last month. The festival that began on May 27, 2008, recently concluded successfully on June 23.
Famous plays, including Ghasiram Kotwal, Kafka and 1857, were staged as part of the tribute to the legendry playwright Tendulkar. The event began with the play Acharya Tartuffe, directed by Prasanna. Saving the best for the last, Tendulkar`s `Ghasiram Kotwal` directed by Rajinder Nath was staged on the last four days of the festival, with two shows each day.
Shri Vijay Tendulkar throughout his career remained truly concerned about the present scenario of contemporary Indian theatre. He wanted NSD and Sahitya Akademi to come together to encourage young and talented Indian playwrights. He authored 27 plays including Gidhade (Vultures), Ashi Paakhre Yeti, Shantata Kortchalu Aahe, Sreemant, Baby, Maadi, and Grihastha.
Established in 1964, NSD Repertory Company, the institution`s professional performing wing, has been introducing contemporary and modern productions in the country and abroad.
In an interview with Bhavna Khullar of Spicezee, NSD’s Repertory Chief Mr Suresh talked about the recent summer festival and NSD’s upcoming events;
Bhavna: Why did NSD hold Porvottar(North East) festival?
Our summer theatre festival is an annual festival wherein we stage some of our best productions.
Bhavna: Will similar festivals be held for other states as well?
SureshWe do have been holding similar kind of festivals for other states also.
Bhavna: NSD doesn’t look national in character; why is the most of it always in Delhi?
SureshIt is, indeed, national in character. We have our headquarters in Delhi, so we stage the events here. But we do have such festivals conducted in other states too, but summer festival, as a tradition, is always held in Delhi.
Bhavna: Has the aim of the fest been achieved?
Suresh: Yes, absolutely. This time the event was a special dedication to the great playwright Late Shri Vijay Tendulkar, and we staged his great work as a salute to his remarkable contribution to theatre.
Bhavna: Will NSD be doing something more than the festival in the memory of Late Shri Vijay Tendulkar?
Suresh: Vijay Tendulkar was a great playwright, so we dedicated the summer festival to him. Yes, we are looking forward to another festival in his memory somewhere in September. It would be a 3-day fest, probably, in the last week of September. Alongside the plays, it we will also be holding a seminar and a photo-exhibition.