Normally increased corruption motivates a few to invest in arts, but in Kashmir the money is simply squandered
‘Theatre in Kashmir on decline’
Srinagar: Celebrating the World Theatre Day, Actors’ Creative
Theatre (ACT) and Indian Theatre Alliance, held a function to
aware people about the role and importance of theatre in the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Commercial Broadcasting Service
(Radio) Bashir Arif lamented on the pathetic state of theatre in
Kashmir.
“The responsibility of preserving the theatre in Kashmir has landed in
those hands that hardly possess the requisite knowledge. This has
totally marred the quality of our theatre and has paved the way for
its decline. Both the concerned authorities and lack of support shown
by people have resulted in its decline,” Arif said.
Arif, who was the chief guest on the occasion, urged people associated
with theatre to work on professional lines.
“This is the method to revive our rich tradition of our theatre,” he said.
Deputy Director, DD, Shabir Mujahid who presided over the function
said that Kashmiri theatre suffered a lot during the past 20 years.
“We lack competitiveness at higher level for which we have to work
hard at the roots,” he said.
“The competition outside the valley in every field is tough and if we
have to compete we have to channelize the talent in a proper way,” he
added.
Speaking at the occasion, convener Sahitya Academy (Kashmir Chapter),
Dr Aziz Hajini said utmost need for unification among the theatrists
of the valley.
He said that Kashmiri theatre has no parallel but the theatrists here
undermine their talent.
“Kashmiri theatre, especially Baand Pather has no match in India but
unfortunately we couldn’t maintain its quality owing to the pathetic
treatment by people and government as well,” Hajini said.
Patron ACT, Mushtaque Ali Khan, former chairman of Public Service
Commission, Muhammad Shafi Pandit and DC Pulwama, Adil Naqash also
spoke on the occasion while Dr R L Talashi read a paper on theatre.
Later two plays ‘Shahi-Pozaar’ and ‘Gosain Pathear’ were performed at
the event.
(Rising Kashmir)