The only institution for the study of theatre in the country of India is the National School of Drama. This is located in the wonderful city of Delhi. Founded by the Sangeet Natak Academy in 1959, this is one of the foremost training center for dramatic arts in the world. The school was still connected to the Academy until 1975. It is now an independent institution and is funded by the Indian Government’s Ministry of Culture. There are two wings in the institute, one for the Theatre in Education programs and one for the Repertory theatre.
The education wing called the Sanskaar Rang Toli and stages productions throughout the country and is made up of a company of children between the ages of 8 to 18. The Repertory wing is for those who have graduated from the program. It offers them the venues to perform and to showcase their original work and to express their creative talents. This is known as one of the professional theatre companies in Delhi and every year they stage a festival during the summer months. This is a set of performances that feature the new work of the alumni as well as previously staged works in years prior.
Aside from these two divisions of the school there are also extension programs and a section for the focus on publication. The forum on literature is called Shruti, and the students selected to take part must pass a number of tests before being accepted. After the students pass the series of exams they must be screened and go through another set of tests, the personal interviews.
Once accepted, the students will go through extensive training sessions and will be required to work diligently to produce plays that are original and imaginative. These plays will be produced and performed in public, a showcase of the young talent of the country. Each year many tourists staying in the 4 star hotels Delhi supports, find joy in attending the National Theatre Festival held each January. This is one option that it very well worth when considering taking in a show during a holiday spent in the Indian city of Delhi.
Related posts: