my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Apr: The Department of Theatre and Folk Performing Arts, Doon University, in collaboration with Doon Valley Theatre, Dehradun, organised a five-day theatre festival on the occasion of World Theatre Day (27 March). The festival was held from 27 to 31 March 2026 and featured a series of outstanding performances by renowned theatre groups and artists.
The festival commenced on 27 March with the staging of the celebrated play “Tughlaq”, written by eminent playwright Girish Karnad. The play was conceptualised and directed by Brijesh Narayan. With a duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the performance kept the audience engaged throughout. The powerful acting, impactful dialogues, and precise direction made the presentation highly impressive and widely appreciated by the audience. The main cast included Brijesh Narayan (Tughlaq), Aadesh Narayan (Barni), Rajesh Bhardwaj (Ameer/Kaka), Sandeep Singh (Najib), Ravikant (Shahabuddin), Nitin Pal (Aziz), Sudhir Kumar (Aazam), Rahul Singh (Ratan Singh), Tushar (Soldier/Announcer), Meetu (Woman), and Shekhar (Crowd/Ameer), among others.
On the second day, Kala Manch presented “Pagla Ghoda”, written by Badal Sircar and directed by Mitali Punetha. The play explores the hidden truths within human beings that are often ignored. It reflects on themes of incomplete love, fear, and the consequences of wrong decisions, suggesting that such emotions continue to live within us like a “mad horse”. The performance encouraged the audience to confront their own relationships, choices, and responsibilities, emphasising that acceptance of truth leads to liberation. The main cast included Mitali Punetha, Vishal Sawan, Kamal Pathak, Ketan Prakash, and Vijay Shankar. The production was supported by Ujjwal Jain (stage design), Aarti Shahi (costume and makeup), TK Agrawal (lighting), Abhishek Dobhal (light coordination), and Sagar Gusain (music).
The third day featured the successful staging of “Baki Itihas”, another renowned play by Badal Sircar, directed by senior theatre practitioner Brijesh Narayan. Through the central characters Seetanath and Sharad, the play explored deep psychological themes such as guilt, existential dilemmas, and the meaning of life. Seetanath represents a man burdened with guilt who ultimately chooses suicide, while Sharad questions life by relating himself to Seetanath. The actors delivered emotionally intense performances that deeply moved the audience. The cast included Brijesh Narayan, Sandeep Singh, Aadesh Narayan, Tina Mehra, Vasanti, Nitin Pal, Ravikant Chamoli, Tushar, and Sudhir Kumar. The technical team included Vedansh (lighting), Aakriti (music), Subhash Dhiman and Akash Dhiman (set design), Rahul (costumes), and Ali and Shekhar (makeup).
On the fourth day, students of the Department of Theatre, Doon University, presented “Rajpur Road Ka Romeo”, based on the writings of Harishankar Parsai and directed by Dr Kailash Kandwal. The play is a sharp satire on social hypocrisy and so-called moral custodians. It tells the story of a young man, Bannū, who falls in love with a married woman, Savitri, and goes to extreme lengths to prove his love. Despite being advised by his friends, he threatens suicide and gets manipulated by a self-styled godman, Baba Sankidas, leading to absurd situations including a staged hunger strike, social unrest, and media sensationalism. Ultimately, his mother confronts him and guides him towards the right path. The play delivers a strong critique of societal pretensions.
The cast included Shashwat (Bannū), Himanshu Bist (Surendra), Suraj (Vijay), Vineet Pawar (Baba Sankidas), Bhavik Patel (Secretary), Raman Chhajotra (Swami Rasanand), Jyoti (Savitri), Amrit (Radhika Babu), Sarita Bhatt (Mother), Pranav Pokhariyal (TV Anchor), Sanjay Vashishta (Brahmin Leader), Siya (Kayastha Leader), Aditi (News Reporter), Shagun (Camera Person), Anjesh Kumar (Police Officer), and Keshav (Constable), along with a large chorus ensemble. The backstage team included Sarita Bahuguna, Vineet Pawar, and Bhavik Patel (production control), Jyotsana Ishtwal, Himanshu, and Suraj (set and stage), Sarita Bhatt, Aakriti, and Shauryan (costumes and makeup), Pranav Pokhariyal, Sarita Bahuguna, and Jyotsana Ishtwal (music), and Sonia Walia (lights).
On the final day, the play “Savitri Bai Phule” was staged successfully under the direction of Dr Ajeet Panwar. The play portrays the inspiring life of Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher, highlighting her struggles, courage, and unwavering determination to promote education and social reform. The presentation beautifully depicted her journey against social odds and her relentless pursuit of her dreams.
The performance received immense appreciation from the audience. The emotional depth of the play, especially the exchange of letters between Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule, deeply touched the viewers. The main cast included Anupama (Savitribai), Anjesh Kumar (Jyotirao), Rajesh Bhardwaj (Father-in-law), Sanjay Vashishta (Father), and others including Ananya, Janhvi, Saachi, Sarita Bahuguna, Vineet Pawar, Gajendra Rawat, Jai Shankar, and Bhavik Patel.
The five-day theatre festival witnessed enthusiastic participation and overwhelming response from audiences throughout its duration. The event highlighted the vibrant theatrical culture and creative excellence fostered at Doon University.
On this occasion, Prof Surekha Dangwal, Durgesh Dimri, Prof HC Purohit, Prof Harsh Dobal, Prof RP Mamgain, Dr Kailash Kandwal, Shreesh Dobal, Dr Chetna Pokhariyal, along with other faculty members and staff, were also present.
The organisers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all participants, artists, technical teams, and the audience for making the festival a ‘grand success’.
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