19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav begins, 14 foreign plays to be

Offering a potpourri of plays from India as well as other countries, the 19th edition of National School of Drama's Bharat Rang Mahotsav began here this evening with much fanfare.
"This year the festival is special, because this is going to be its last teenage (19th) year. I am happy that this festival, which is the biggest in Asia, is growing leaps and bounds with each and every passing year," NSD Director Waman Kendre said at the inauguration ceremony.
The annual theatre extravaganza, slated to run through February 1-21, will see 14 foreign productions and participation of 12 countries.
Renowned Bhartnatyam and Odissi dancer Sonal Mansingh, who was present at the event as the chief guest said she is "excited for having been invited to perform in the festival".

"I will be performing in the festival this time. I guess I will enact Krishna. Actually, it depends on His and my mood, if they match. But, definitely you all will get to see something new," said Mansingh.
Setting the ball rolling for this giant of a theatre festival was the play titled, "Uttara Rama Charitham".

Secretary, Ministry of Culture Narendra Kumar Sinha said "the institute should aim high and try becoming one of the biggest in the world". The event is touted as Asia's biggest International theatre festival.
"I wish and pray that next year along with this festival, we also host the much talked-about 'World Olympic Theatre'. It can be done. The institute is capable. We all need to sit together and do our bit," he added.

Also, present at the event eminent director Feroz Abbas Khan and Israeli theatre director Sushri Vera Berzak Schneider focussed on the freedom of expression and said festivals like these "should do everything to defend and enact freedom of expression".
"I wish this festival to be fearless, both for the artistes as well as the audience. Artistes should be fearless in touching the subject that really concerns them.
"And I would like the audience to be fearless in the sense that they can allow themselves to be touched by what they see and experience," said the Israeli director.
The audience will be able to feast their eyes on performances from England, Russia, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Romania, Malasiya, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, along with performances from folk artistes from around India.

Theatre lovers will be able to book tickets online as well as offline.