82 plays, 12 countries at Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2015

With 12 participating countries, 82 productions in 23 languages and performances by 125 groups, the 17th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav will begin from February 1 here.
This year's edition has been conceptualised and designed with the theme of 'Breaking Borders' and will organise World Theatre Forum on this topic where theatre luminaries from all over the world and across the country will come together to interact with the audience.
"At the time when the world is getting increasingly divided and fragmented National School of Drama is attempting to send out a strong message of bringing people together with this festival," NSD director Waman Kendre told reporters.

Over 12 countries including UK, Germany, China, USA, Poland, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh are taking part in the festival. However, Pakistani plays and artistes will be conspicuous by their absence.
The 18-days festival will also travel to other parts of the country with plays being showcased in Agartala, Jabalpur, Aurangabad and Panaji.
"A total of 20 productions will be screened in these cities with each getting five plays. This is one of the new additions to this year's festival," NSD Professor Tripurari Sharma said.

NSD Repertory Company's 'Ghazab Teri Adaa', directed by Kendre, will open the festival on February 1 at Kamani Auditorium.

Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State Culture and Tourism and Civil Aviation will be the chief guest and Bollywood veteran actor Om Puri will be the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2015 will pay tribute to Shambhu Mitra and Begum Akhtar on their birth centenary, besides Veenapani Chawla, who passed away recently. This will include performances, exhibitions, and lectures on Mitra, Akhtar and Chawla.
For the first time Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi and other government cultural bodies have come forward to be associated with the festival.
Various discussions and seminars will take place around the theme 'Paridhi Ke Bahar-Natak Bazar' to bring marginalised voices to the national platform. A 'Meet The Director' section will allow the audience to interact with directors.

For the first time, NSD is venturing to set up a Theatre Bazar for the public where they will be able to buy various props used in a play. There will also be literary interactions with Krishna Sobti, dance by Pandit Birju Maharaj, company theatre music classes by B Jayashree and visual art demonstrations by noted photographer Raghu Rai.
The closing ceremony will be held on February 18, during which Aadirangam- an ensemble of eight tribal group performers from all over India will be presented by Laique Hussain.
This year theatre lovers will be able to book tickets online on the NSD website from January 29 onwards.