Lucknow: Decorated with marigold, rose and jasmine flowers, the campus of Bhartendu Natya Akademi (BNA) wore a festive look, while students dressed in coordinated yellow ‘kurta-pyjamas’ and suits enjoyed the golden jubilee celebrations.Welcoming guests, BNA chairperson Rati Shankar Tripathi thanked the state govt for its continued support.“The institution’s infrastructural growth over the years had been possible because of sustained encouragement from the govt,” he said.Four curated exhibitions were among the main attractions. At the entrance, visitors were greeted by a display of traditional musical instruments such as tabla, ‘dholak’, ‘manjeera’, ‘nagada’, flute and harmonium.Another exhibition traced the Akademi’s 50-year journey through photographs of notable productions.A third exhibition showcased around 50 masks used in theatrical performances, depicting birds, animals, gods, demons, insects and a range of human expressions.The fourth displayed around 40 costumes and props used by actors in diverse roles.The first day began with staging of play ‘Refund’ by Mumbai’s Rangshila Theatre Group. Based on a play by Hungarian playwright Fritz Karinthy, it was directed and adapted by Avnish Mishra.It was followed by a solo Kathak presentation by Varanasi-based artist Vishal Krishna, who depicted episodes from the life of Lord Krishna through his performance.“It feels great to perform at the Akademi’s 50th year celebrations,” said Toko Telyi, a student. Another student, Vishal Sharma, said the exhibitions helped him understand the legacy they were inheriting.
