Srinagar, Jul 19: A first-of-its-kind Kashmir Theatre Conference will be held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar from August 1 to 3, 2026, bringing together renowned theatre practitioners, scholars, artists and enthusiasts from across the country to deliberate on the past, present and future of theatre in Jammu and Kashmir.
The three-day conference is being organised by the non-governmental organisation ACT: For a Better Tomorrow with support from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL).
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, ACT Chairman Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan said the conference would be the first event of its scale dedicated exclusively to theatre in Kashmir.
“This conference is unique in many ways. It will provide a platform for young minds to learn, perform and celebrate the art of theatre while also facilitating meaningful dialogue among theatre practitioners, scholars and enthusiasts,” he said.
Khan said the conference will feature panel discussions, debates and lectures tracing the evolution of Kashmiri theatre from 1947 to the present, examining its artistic journey, achievements and contemporary challenges.
“The conference will bring together theatre practitioners, lovers and scholars from Kashmir and other parts of the country who have contributed significantly to the growth of theatre. Together, they will deliberate on ways to strengthen the theatre movement in Kashmir, improve the quality of productions and encourage greater youth participation so that the legacy of theatre continues,” he said.
Among the prominent speakers to address the conference are M K Raina, Ayash Arif, Mohammad Amin Bhat, K K Raina, Nisar Naseem, Ravi Khemu, Bashir Bhawani, Kamal Razdan and Muzamil Bhawani, besides several other noted theatre personalities.
Participants and guests are expected to travel from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chandigarh and Aligarh, making the conference a national gathering of theatre professionals.
The organisers have invited schools, colleges, universities, theatre groups and aspiring young artists from across Kashmir to participate in the event. Educational institutions and theatre groups with stage productions will also be given an opportunity to perform during the conference.
The organisers further said they are exploring the possibility of inviting prominent Bollywood actors from Mumbai having contributed to Kashmir theatre, subject to government support.
