The National School of Drama should be accorded national importance and regional centres of the school should be opened across the country to facilitate traditional performing art education for children according to its director Waman Kendre.
"We have demanded that NSD should be given national importance because this is a prime institute in Asia and it has a 55 year-old legacy. There should be NSDs in every state with vernacular theatre education," Kendre told PTI.
The Director was speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Bal Sangam, a week-long theatre extravaganza showcasing traditional folk theatre by children which kicked off here.
The festival was inaugurated by theatre personality Nandita Das, Barry John, renowned theatre and film personality, Ravindra Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Ratan Thiyam, Chairman NSD Society.
"This program which has been organised by NSD and Theatre in Education Company (TIE) is commendable. The ministry will support NSD if this particular program is showcased at minimum four regions in India," said Ravindra Singh.
The festival, Bal Sangam 2013, held every alternate year and currently in its eighth edition is organised by the Sanskar Rang Toli (theatre-in-company) of the NSD.
This year organisers say there is a special focus on the North East region.
"This is one of the finest platforms for art, culture, tradition in the form of drama and folk art, which is a great step towards promoting India's rare talents that India should be actually proud of. I am extremely happy and ecstatic to be here today and supporting this grand festival of children," Nandita Das, actor and theatre personality said.
Das echoed Kendre in emphasising on the need to impart theatre education to children and urged parents attending the program to let children find their cultural talent.
The festival will include a street performance and traditional folk theatre performance groups. Children participating in the festival are below 14 years.
