Srinagar, Mar 05: Children in Kashmir are increasingly stepping into the world of theatre, a space that was once largely dominated by senior artists in the valley. Young students from various schools are now participating in theatre workshops and performances, signalling a shift in cultural engagement among the younger generation.
Among them are Junaid Nazir (16), a class 10 student from Wathora in Budgam district, and Aahil Mushtaq (10), a class 6 student from Srinagar, who recently performed in theatre productions organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) Theatre-in-Education (TIE) Centre in Srinagar.
“It was a great experience performing these plays. We got to learn many new things,” Junaid told Rising Kashmir.
The plays were part of the 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the world’s largest international theatre festival. The NSD TIE Centre in Srinagar presented two Children’s Theatre Workshop productions featuring students from different schools across the valley.
The performances were staged by two separate age groups, 8 to 12 years and 12 to 16 years, giving young participants an opportunity to showcase their talent on stage.
The growing involvement of children in theatre marks a notable cultural shift in the valley. In earlier decades, theatre activities were mostly confined to seasoned performers, but schools and cultural organisations are now actively encouraging students to explore the performing arts.
Gulzar Ganaie, coordinator of NSD’s Srinagar centre, said that the response from students has been encouraging.
“Children are showing keen interest in theatre, and we are working to nurture that talent. We organise workshops and training programmes in different schools across Jammu and Kashmir so that students can learn acting, expression and stage discipline,” he said.
Apart from NSD initiatives, several other cultural programmes have also encouraged children to take up theatre. In November last year, a five-day festival held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar from November 17 to 21 brought together young performers from various schools.
The event was organised by Kashmir Kala Manch in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Re-Root Foundation of India.
The festival provided a platform for school students to perform plays and demonstrate their acting skills before a live audience.
Similarly, in December last year, the Azad Dramatic Cultural Club organised a three-week-long Children’s Theatre Workshop in Ganderbal, where students underwent training and later staged plays for the public.
Theatre artist and director Tahir Ahmad Najar, who directed one of the children’s productions at NSD Srinagar last month, said the participation of young students is a positive development for theatre in the region.
“When children start learning theatre at an early age, it builds confidence and creativity. It also ensures that the tradition of theatre continues with the next generation,” he said.
Veteran filmmaker and theatre artist Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, who has trained many children over the years, said the growing interest among them is a hopeful sign for the future of performing arts in Kashmir.
“It is encouraging to see school students coming forward to learn theatre. It helps them develop communication skills, teamwork and cultural awareness,” he said.
Earlier as well, such initiatives had drawn participation from students. In 2022, a seven-day Spring Theatre Festival held in Srinagar featured performances by children from different schools, who impressed audiences with their acting and stage presence.
Artists and organisers believe that with continued training programmes, workshops and festivals, theatre among children in Kashmir will continue to grow, giving young talents a platform to express themselves through the performing arts.
