Srinagar- Three days of theatre, scholarship and cultural exchange concluded in Srinagar on Sunday with the Kashmir Theatre Conference calling for stronger institutional support, greater creative experimentation and more opportunities for young artists and theatre practitioners.
Organised by ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, the conference brought together eminent theatre practitioners, scholars, writers, actors, artists and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate Kashmir’s rich theatrical heritage and deliberate on its creative future.
The concluding day began at 11 am with an academic paper-reading and presentation session, followed by an interactive brainstorming discussion on “The Future Prospects of Theatre in Kashmir.”
The academic sessions featured paper presentations and discussions by eminent theatre scholars, writers and practitioners, including Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bhawani Basheer Yasir, Dr Aiyash Arif, Ravi Kemmu, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Prof Farooq Fayyaz, Lalit Parimoo, Majeed Khan, Shaikh Haneef, Shah-e-Jahan Ahmad Bhagat, Javaid Khan, Raees Wathoori, Nisar Naseem, Arshad Mushtaq, Reshi Rasheed, Hassan Javaid, M.Y. Shaheen, Hakeem Javaid, Ameen Bhat, Gulzar Fighter, Shaikh Altaf, Mir Sarwar, S. Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan.
The deliberations explored the evolution and development of theatre in Kashmir, its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Speakers highlighted the need for institutional support, creative experimentation, professional development, audience engagement and greater efforts towards the long-term sustainability of theatre in the region.
The concluding and felicitation function commenced at 4 pm with introductory remarks by Seyad Humayun Qaisar, who welcomed the distinguished guests, dignitaries, participants, collaborators, sponsors and audience members.
Secretary Information Muneer-ul-Islam (IAS) was the Chief Guest.
The function was graced by theatre practitioner Ravi Kemu, writer and theatre practitioner Gauri Shankar Raina, actor-director Lalit Parimoo, cardiologist Dr Sheikh Burhan, Vice Chairperson SSM College of Engineering Dilafroz Qazi, former bureaucrat and social activist Roma Wani, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Lal Chand, National Spokesperson of Lok Jan Shakti Party Sanjay Saraf, and former Revenue Minister Syed Basharat Bukhari as Guests of Honour.
Speakers stressed the importance of cultural initiatives in preserving and promoting Kashmir’s rich artistic and theatrical heritage while encouraging contemporary creativity and emerging artistic voices. The speakers also appreciated the organisers’ sustained efforts to bring theatre and the performing arts to the forefront and provide artists, scholars, writers and practitioners opportunities to exchange ideas and contribute to the growth of the performing arts in the region.
As part of the felicitation ceremony, mementos were presented by the Chief Guest to collaborators, participants and sponsors.
The closing ceremony also featured vibrant performances of the Kashmiri folk dance Roff and Bhand-e-Pather, which captivated the audience with their energy, grace and traditional fervour.
During the three-day conference, three theatrical productions were staged—“Zu Qadam Kaithis Taam” and “Conflict” in Kashmiri, and the Urdu play “Pagal Koun?” The productions received an enthusiastic response, earning appreciation and warm applause for their performances and creative expression.
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