Manipuri play 'Macbeth' opens 18th Bharat Rang Mahostav

Manipuri adaptation of William Shakespeare's celebrated play "Macbeth" directed by theatre veteran Ratan Thiyam today opened the 18th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav here with Nana Patekar being the guest of honour.
The play presented by Chorus Repertory Theatre from Imphal, showcased Macbeth as a "disease" spreading at an unbelievable pace in the contemporary world. The theatre presentation as well as the protagonist, portrayed the "ugliest version of human species that is growing in numbers with each passing day".
The theatre festival was inaugurated by N K Sinha, Secretary for Culture Ministry, Patekar, National School of Drama (NSD) alumnus Anupam Kher. It was presided by Thiyam, Chairman, NSD Society along with NSD director Waman Kendre.

"Bharat Rang Mahotsav is already Asia's biggest theatre festival. We started with seven-eight solo acts and now we are in our 18th year showcasing 15 international and 65 Indian plays," Kendre said.
Patekar was amazed with the turn out at the inaugral ceremony and expressed his desire to return to the stage.
"I started of with theatre but haven't come back to stage since past 15 years. But, the way Waman Kendre has been taking it forward is amazing. I am grateful that I have done theatre. Silence has its own language and thats what theatre teaches you. The way people have gathered here is unbelievable. I now feel I will surely come back to the stage again and compete with the young generation," he said.

Former chairperson of the NSD Kher was the special guest and the day back to his alma mater made him nostalgic. The actor went on to recall his days at the school under the guidance of Ebrahim Alkazi.

"NSD has not taught us only about drama, theatre or cinema, it has made us understand the way life should be lived. The three years I spent in NSD the were the best years of my life. Today whatever I am, the Padma Bhushan I have received I owe it to this school," he said.
With the theme of "Rediscovering the magic of theatre",the 21-day-long festival, which began today, has introduced a theatre bazaar and master class from veteran thespians. International countries include China, USA, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, Austria and Italy. There is also a Pakistani play this year.

Several performances such as folk arts, master classes, Living Legend series are also scheduled. With intention to promote theatre in other parts of the country, Bharat Rang Mahotsav will also be held in Jammu, Ahmedabad Thiruvananthapuram and Bhubaneswar.
A special performance of theatre music by NSD Repertory Company will bring the curtains down on February 21.