The 13th edition of Jashe Bachpan- a theatre festival focusing on children will witness participation from seven international productions from various countries.
Organised by National School of Drama's TIE or Theatre In Education Company also known as Sanskar Rang Toli, the festival will also display twenty productions from India.
Promising to represent various regions and languages from across the country and beyond, the festival features some of the most eminent theatre directors from countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Turkey, Israel, France and Switzerland.
The committee has selected a theatre group from Pakistan but we are yet to get a confirmation regarding their participation," Professor Waman Kendre, Director of National School of Drama said.
The 12-day theatre carnival, which begins form November 14, will feature around 500 artistes and Director's meet where theatre directors will interact everyday to share their experience with the audience.
For few plays, TIE is reviving their old method of adult playing for children. The festival comprises of three distinct categories- performance by children, performance by children and adults and performance by adults.
"Children theatre is most important aspect of theatre expression. Through this festival we are trying to build and inculcate interest about theatre among the children from their childhood. Participants from various culture and demographic backgrounds will also get a chance to interact and exchange their ideas," Kendre said.
The mega event which culminates on November 25 will see participation from ten states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal and Kerala.
The plays will be presented in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Malayalam and non-verbal.
With a motive to popularise art and theatre among underprivileged children, NSD will also invite children from various NGOs. A special free bus service will also be organised for easy travel to the venue.
"We do not want the event to be restricted only to those people who can easily access such festivals. The idea is to bring the underprivileged children to the mainstream and inculcate enthusiasm for art and culture at a global platform like this," Kendre said.
The festival will kick-start with "Bal-Vrind"- a musical dance performed by five professional groups from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Delhi.
Bollywood actor and an alumni of NSD, Irfan Khan will address the audience during the closing ceremony of the festival.
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