The inaugural function for BRM 2020 kick started at the Kamani auditorium with Panchvadyam South Indian devotional music. Those present on the occasion included Chief Guest Prof. Vidushi Rita Ganguly, theatre artist and vocalist, Guest of Honour Mohan Agashe, renowned theatre and film personality and Special Guest Nirupama Kotru, IRS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India among others. The function was presided over by Arjun Deo Charan, Acting Chairman, NSD Society.
Prof. Suresh Sharma, Director In-charge, National School of Drama, welcomed the guest at the inaugural function and expressed gratitude to the actor Amol Palekar who came andf graced the occasion by presenting his play at the inauguration ceremony.
He said through the years, the idea behind the festival has been to reach out to a much wider set of audiences with works from post-modern and regional theatre. "We hope to highlight the importance of theatre and plays and promote the culture of appreciating various forms of performing arts," he added.
Chief Guest Prof. Vidushi Rita Ganguly said: "Eventual expression of human race is theatre, I give credit to all these honours that I receive to Ebrahim Alkazi. NSD treats everyone equally and in theatre everyone has his/her own place."
Guest of Honour Mohan Agashe said that theatre occupies the highest place in art forms. "I am really elated to see that year after year NSD is giving this living art a stage."
Present at the event the Special Guest Nirupama Kotru, IRS, Joint Secretary, and Ministry of Culture, Government of India added: "NSD is one of the nine gems that we have in our country. We should encourage more participation and spectatorship of theatre."
Echoing his thoughts, Arjun Deo Charan, Acting Chairman, NSD Society said: "Theatre brings meaning to people and the position of an actor is held highly in theatre of our country. An actor should be mindful of their own emotions and the emotions of their character and this understanding if conceived can help anyone and everyone."
The festival will stage 91 plays that include a combination of post-modern and
regional theatre by Indian and international thesp.
( With inputs from IANS )