Natrang stages new play Bichoo

Natrang presented a new comedy play 'Bichoo' originally written in French by Moliere and directed by Sumeet Sharma, who has been consistently working with his own style of theatre direction and applying the same in various self created and pre scripted plays.

He has been awarded with country's highest award for the youth in performing arts, 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar' for theatre direction and has successfully directed more than 25 plays.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora was the chief guest, who appreciated Natrang's contribution in bringing a new cultural renaissance in the State.

Welcoming the guests, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur dwelt in detail about Natrang's vision for the development of art and culture in the State of J&K and appealed the Government to promote and support excellence in the field of creativity as culture can play a larger role in the peace and prosperity of the State.

Today's play 'Bichoo'revolves around the families of 'Munne Miyan' and 'Banne Miyan' who though are very rich but are miser to the core of their hearts. Their sons 'Munir' and 'Afzal' are close friends and without the knowledge of their fathers, they are having love affairs with 'Razia' and 'Nilli' respectively and their servants 'Rehmat' and 'Hashmat' are their aids in all this. On the contrary, 'Munne Miyan' fixes the marriage of his son 'Munir' with 'Banne Miyan's daughter. But 'Rehmat' the ace servant of 'Banne Miyan' changes all the plans according to the wish of Afzal and Munir and befools both the fathers in a highly dramatic manner. With his wit and cleverness, he steers the story towards a happy ending but creating a lot of ups and downs on the way which add to the humor of the play.

Vikram Sharma as Rehmat was at his best in portraying the shrewdness desired for his character. Anil Tickoo as 'Banne Miyan' and Pawan Verma as 'Munne Miyan' didn't let go a single comedy punch wasted. Rahul Singh as 'Munir' and Uplaksh Singh as 'Afzal' were also very impressive with their hold over timings. Sajra Qadir as 'Nilli' and Shivika Verma as 'Razia' added much to the performance. Sushil Raina as 'Hashmat' and Atin Tikka as 'Ahmed' were also successful in living the soul of their respective roles.

Gaurav Jamwal executed the lights and Music was rendered by Sumeet Sharma.

Mohd Yaseen looked after the public relations whereas the hall management was done by Mayank Bakshi,Ranbir Thakur and Vijay Kaul. Neeraj Kant did the presentations.

International Theatre workshop begins at Natrang

 International Theatre workshop on 'Theatre Creations' was inaugurated here today at the Natrang Studio Theatre with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Natrang Director Balwant Thakur. 

The workshop is being conducted by Sarah Richards of London International School of Performing Arts , U K. Speaking on the occasion Natrang Director said that this initiative of Natrang has been aimed at establishing Jammu as a global Centre and an international destination of theatre. Natrang has been making all out efforts to expose its actors to the most latest developed acting and theatre creation methodologies and this workshop will open new horizons of global theatre practices before the actors of Natrang.

Born and brought up in London, Ms Sarah graduated with honors in Drama from Bristol and had professional theatre training at the London International School of Performing Arts where she specialized on Jaques Lecoq's method of approaching all theatre through body. After completing her professional training in theatre, she joined Ovel House Youth Theatre in London where she continued her acting and direction in theatre. 

Currently Sarah is working with a London based theatre organization, Lyrebird Theatre company. Her debut creation 'Ships of Sand' premiered in the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2011. Sarah Richards focuses on originally created works through artistic collaborations and her work is based on a curiosity of life and a desire to discover that through theatre.

The workshop is being coordinated by Ashish Nijhawan a graduate of National School of Drama who has the credit of having performed in Japan, China and other countries. A lead actor with the Repertory Company of National School of Drama, Ashish Nijhawan is a product of Nagrang.

Those who are participating in this exclusive workshop included Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Sumeet Sharma, Rahul Singh, Mohd. Yaseen, Vikram Sharma, Sajra Qadir, Balwinder Singh, Sayed Dildaar, Abhinav Vimarsh, Uplaksh Singh Kotwal, Sahil Kanojia, Sushil Raina, Atin Tikka, and Harsh Vardhan Singh.
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Balwant Thakur honoured at Madhya Pradesh

Natrang Director, Balwant Thakur was honoured here this evening at the Rabindra Bhawan, here by the Swaraj Bhawan', Ministry of Government of Madhya Pradesh for the outstanding performance of the Internationally acclaimed Dogri play 'Bawa Jitto' in the National Theatre Festival.

His innovative direction and highly creative design came in for appreciation from all quarters. The audience gave a standing ovation to the mesmerizing performance and the local media highlighted immensely, showering praises for this out of the world creation of a theatrical wonder.

Born in 1960, Balwant Thakur is one of the most creative theatre directors of the country who has given a new identity to Indian theatre with highly innovative theatre productions.

Decorated with the highest Indian honour in performing arts Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Direction in theatre, Balwant Thakur is credited for being the youngest theatre director of India who has participated over two hundred National Theatre Festivals as director, which is a record in the country.

He has also been honoured with the highest Indian honour in the field of culture with 'Sanskriti Award' by President of India. Known as a magic man of theatre, his outstanding visual poetics on stage like 'Ghumayee' 'Bawa Jitto' 'Suno Eh Kahani' 'Chauraha' and 'Mahabhoj' have vibrated the theatre scene of India. Credited for bringing theatre and culture of Jammu and Kashmir to the National and International limelight, he has been highly instrumental in creating a new cultural renaissance in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

With 5000 brilliant performances to his credit, Balwant Thakur is the first theatre director of the country who has been accredited by UNESCO.

He also served on the Boards of prestigious Institutions of the country including, Department of Culture, Govt. of India, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, North Zone Cultural Centre, Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and as an expert for National School of Drama, Department of Culture, M.P., Department of Language and Culture, H.P. and Association of Indian Universities.

Recently he was honored with the Maharaja Ghulab Singh Memorial Award for the year 2011 for his outstanding contribution in the field of culture