 Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 12: Natrang’s highly anticipated Winter Theatre Workshop for children concluded today with a spectacular performance of Habib Tanveer's play Parampara at the Government College for Women Parade, Jammu. Directed by Neeraj Kant and assisted by Kanan Kaur, the play marked the culmination of this transformative workshop, coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen.
Welcoming the audience, Natrang Director Padamshree Balwant Thakur highlighted the initiative's role in popularizing theatre among children. He emphasized the medium’s potential for personality development, sharing anecdotes from his 36 years of work with children. “Theatre is not just about acting; it holds unparalleled power to transform lives,” Thakur remarked, noting the successes of Natrang alumni in diverse fields.
The play Parampara begins with children fixated on social media, seeking validation through followers and reel dances. Their perspective shifts when a character, Nati, challenges them to reconnect with India's rich cultural heritage. Motivated, they decide to stage a play titled Viraasat, exploring pivotal moments in Indian history.
Key episodes include:
• The arrival of Aryans and the symbolic union of Bharat Mata and Arya.
• Lord Ram's exile and Arjun’s moral dilemma in the Mahabharata.
• Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War.
The play also portrays India’s cultural legacy through references to Natyashastra and Kalidasa’s works, alongside the struggles for independence and the tragedy of Partition. Concluding on a hopeful note, Parampara emphasizes unity and peace between India and Pakistan, symbolized by Bharat Mata and Arya standing together for harmony.
The performance featured young talents, including Aarna Gaur, Adira Gupta, Advik Sharma, Amayra Mahajan, and others, whose dedication brought the narrative to life. Music composed by Kartik Kumar added depth, while Sumeet Sharma seamlessly conducted the show.
The event, a collaboration with the Government College for Women Parade, showcased the creative potential of children and reaffirmed Natrang’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preserving cultural heritage. |
