Srinagar, September 13: The three-day ‘Kashmir Theatre Conference’ concluded here on Sunday with a felicitation function, bringing together theatre practitioners, scholars, writers, artists and cultural enthusiasts to deliberate on the region’s theatrical heritage and future prospects.
The concluding day began with an academic paper-reading and presentation session, followed by an interactive brainstorming discussion on “The Future Prospects of Theatre in Kashmir.”
The academic sessions featured presentations and paper readings by theatre scholars, writers and practitioners, including Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bhawani Basheer Yasir, Dr Aiyash Arif, Ravi Kemmu, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Prof Farooq Fayyaz, Lalit Parimoo, Majeed Khan, Shaikh Haneef, Shah-e-Jahan Ahmad Bhagat, Javaid Khan, Raees Wathoori, Nisar Naseem, Arshad Mushtaq, Reshi Rasheed, Hassan Javaid, M.Y. Shaheen, Hakeem Javaid, Ameen Bhat, Gulzar Fighter, Shaikh Altaf, Mir Sarwar, S. Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan.
The discussions examined the evolution of theatre in Kashmir, contemporary challenges and its future prospects, with speakers stressing the need for institutional support, creative experimentation, professional development, audience engagement and long-term sustainability of theatre in the region.
The concluding and felicitation function was attended by Theatre Practitioner Ravi Kemu, Writer and Theatre Practitioner Gauri Shankar Raina, Actor and Director Lalit Parimoo, Cardiologist Dr Sheikh Burhan, Vice Chairperson SSM College of Engineering Dilafroz Qazi, former bureaucrat and social activist Roma Wani, Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Lal Chand, National Spokesperson Lok Jan Shakti Party Sanjay Saraf and former Revenue Minister Syed Basharat Bukhari as Guests of Honour.
Secretary Information Muneer-ul-Islam (IAS) was the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries appreciated ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW for organising the conference and providing a platform for artistic expression, research and dialogue.
They emphasised the role of cultural initiatives in preserving Kashmir’s artistic and theatrical heritage while promoting contemporary creativity and providing opportunities to emerging artists, writers, scholars and practitioners.
Mementos were presented by the Chief Guest to collaborators, participants and sponsors, while members of ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW were also felicitated for their contribution to the event. The Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were presented traditional Kashmiri shawls and mementos.
Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan presented the vote of thanks.
The function also featured performances of the Kashmiri folk dance ‘Roff’ and Bhand-e-Pather, which added a traditional cultural dimension to the event.
During the three-day conference, three theatrical productions were staged, including the Kashmiri plays “Zu Qadam Kaithis Taam” and “Conflict”, besides the Urdu play “Pagal Koun?”. The productions received appreciation from the audience for their performances and creative expression.
The organisers said the conference reaffirmed the importance of academic discourse, research and theatrical performance in nurturing a vibrant theatre movement in Kashmir.
The event concluded with a call to preserve the region’s theatrical traditions while encouraging innovation, experimentation and greater opportunities for artists, practitioners, scholars and young creative voices.
