New Delhi, August 12, 2024 : The National School of Drama, established in 1959, is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and only of its kind in India. NSD is known for its comprehensive curriculum and dedicated to advancing the art of theatre through education, innovation, and excellence. The National School of Drama (NSD) proudly announces that it will host the 17th Asia Pacific Bond Theatre Schools Festival & Director’s meet INDIA 2024, a prestigious event celebrating theatrical education and performance in the Asia-Pacific region. The festival will take place from 14th- 20th August 2024 at the NSD campus in New Delhi.
The APBTSF is a biennial gathering that provides a unique platform for theatre schools and academies across the Asia-Pacific to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and explore new theatrical expressions. This year’s festival will feature a diverse array of performances, workshops, and panel discussions led by esteemed theatre practitioners and educators. This year around 44 delegates from 8 countries is participating in the 17th APB.
Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the festival: “We are honored to bring together some of the most talented and innovative theatre schools from the Asia-Pacific region. This festival not only highlights the rich cultural tapestry of theatre but also fosters collaboration and creativity among emerging artists.”
As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory Company, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This milestone is not only a celebration of the Repertory Company’s legacy but also a testament to the enduring spirit of Indian theatre.
Over the past six decades, the NSD Repertory Company has been a crucible of creativity and innovation, nurturing countless artists and enriching the cultural landscape of our nation. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, a deep respect for tradition, and an unyielding passion for the dramatic arts.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey—our alumni, current members, and the audience who have supported us throughout the years. Together, we have created a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us continue to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling, upholding the rich traditions of our art form while embracing the possibilities of the future.
The 17th APBTSF will include:
On the first day the Festival open with the Performance by First year NSD students play “Ram Vijay” Directed by Adhyapak Dr.Bhabananda Barbayan followed with APB Member Schools Directors Meeting.
On 15th August the Students meet followed with the Immersive Opera “Daiyu Buries Flowers” presented by Shanghai Theatre Academy.
On 16th August the workshop will be organized on The Le Jeu Workshop by Alvin Chiam from Singapore followed with Workshop on Devising Theatre by Kenjiro Otani. In the post lunch session the performance on “Death of Ash” followed by Q&A with Singapore and followed by Workshop on Chinese Opera Acting by Jiali Xu from Shanghai.
On 17th August the workshop on Dramaturgy “From Personal Experience to Art Experience” by Ms. Sze Wan Poon Hong Kong followed by Performance “The Myth of the Asura Princess” followed by Q&A from Mongolia.
On 18th August the Master class on “Rasaswadna” by Prof. Vidushi Rita G Kothari (India) followed Workshop on Reimagining Folk Performance: Transformations of Yatra and its connections with Asian performance traditions by Prof. Dr. Md. Israfil Bangladesh, Performance “Randai” followed by Q&A from Indonesia.
On 19th August Lecture on “How to use Natyshastra today?” by Prof. Bharat Gupt from India, Performance “The Face of Jizo” followed by Q&A from Japan and the Festival concluded with the play by 3rd year NSD students “Indrajit”-Therukoothu directed by Kalaimamani Dr Purisai Kannappa Sambandan.
