Srinagar, Sept 11: The first-of-its-kind Kashmir Theatre Conference (KTC) began at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on Friday, bringing together renowned theatre practitioners, scholars, artists and enthusiasts from across the country to deliberate on the past, present and future of theatre in Kashmir.
The three-day conference is being organised by the non-governmental organisation ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, with the support of 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 was the first event of its scale dedicated exclusively to theatre in Kashmir.
“This conference is unique in many ways. It provides 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 features panel discussions, debates and lectures tracing the evolution of Kashmiri theatre from 1947 to the present, while examining its artistic journey, achievements and contemporary challenges.
Prominent speakers include Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bashir Bhawani, Dr Aiyash Arif and Ravi Kemmu, among others.
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 have also been given an opportunity to stage their productions during the conference.
The inaugural function was held on Friday evening, with former Director of AIR Srinagar Syed Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan welcoming the guests.
Those present included MLA Tangmarg Farooq Shah, Dr Rafi, Roma Wani, Dr Shafia Wani, Bashir Bhawani and Shoqia Quraishi.
The chief guest on the occasion was Mian Altaf Ahmad, Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri.
The inaugural programme featured cultural performances, including Roff, besides a play titled Zu Qadam Kaithis Taam, which was well received by the audience.
