Jashnebachpan:A celebration of childhood through best theatrical experiences, expressions

-S.P.Chopra.

New Delhi: Good news for young theatre talents. The National School of Drama today announced the much-awaited international theatre festival for children, Jashnebachpan, kickstarting from November 17. The 14th edition of the vibrant theatre extravaganza under NSD’s T.I.E Company will have the best of the performances from Switzerland, Sri Lanka and Indonesia along with their Indian counterparts at the Sammukh, Abhimanch, Abhikalp and Little Theatre Group (LTG) auditorium.

Jashnebachpan, a nine-day theatre experience for children, is a true example of unity and integrity as plays from various regions and languages are being performed here under the one roof. The festival features some of the most eminent as well as emerging theatre directors and established theatre groups working with and for the children.

This year 21 productions from India and three foreign groups including Sri Lanka (non-verbal), Switzerland (English) and Indonesia (Javanese) will showcase their talent. From India, a total of 24 groups have been selected out of 221 entries from various states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Tripura. The plays will be performed in vernacular languages like Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, and Malayalam besides non-verbal, English, Hindi and other foreign languages.

Much similar to the previous editions, the National School of Drama's campus will be converted into a veritable children mela as over 500 theatre aficionados are expected to be a part of the festival. The inaugural ceremony will be held on November 17th at the NSD campus at 5.30 in the evening followed by a music and dance performance', Udaan.  It will be comprised of four presentations by groups such as Thangata Pung Cholam (Manipur), Kalboliya (Rajasthan), Gotipua (Odisha) and Bhangra/folksong (Punjab). Even folk dances from Assam (Bihu), Sikkim (Lion Dance), Nagaland (Kabul Naga Dance) and Manipur (Stick Balance) will also be the main attractions of the grand event under the guidance of Dr Laique Hussain.

                                                     

Tickets for the plays will be available online on Bookmyshow.com as well as at the designated auditoriums/ counters of the productions at a very nominal rate of Rs 20/- for children and Rs 50/- for adults. Tickets will be available in two-time slots - 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. 

Debuted in 1998, Jashnebachpan, a venture of T.I.E Company of NSD, started in order to contribute to the growth and development of children’s theatre across the country. Post its successful stint year after year; it has now become one of the largest and most important theatre festivals in India for children.