Kashmir possesses rich tradition of theatre, folk narrative: Speakers

Srinagar: Speakers at a national seminar today said that Kashmir possesses rich tradition of theatre and folk narrative—which must be promoted at global level.
National Akademi of Letters, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organized two -day National Seminar on Kashmir Drama here today.
On the first day of seminar, the inaugural session was presided over by Convener, Northern Regional Board, Kashmir, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, Aziz Hajni, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, Mushtaq Sidiqi, Member Kashmir Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, Shabnam Tilgami, prominent film maker and theatre personality, Ravi Kemu.
The seminar was also attended by an array of prominent writers, theatre personalities and artists from the valley.
In his welcome speech, Hajni highlighted the importance of Kashmir theatre. He said that Kashmir has a rich tradition of theatre and folk narrative that needs to be promoted at global level. “This form of art represents different aspects of life in a symbolic manner and needs to be amplified as a medium of expression,” he said.
He also stressed upon the need to preserve and promote rich cultural heritage and ethos of Kashmir.
The seminar was inaugurated by Ravi Kemu—who in his address enlightened the audience with the present scenario of theatre and playwriting at the global, national and state level. He said that drama is a combination of all art forms and employs people from all walks of life so it should be reinvigorated to take it to a next level.
In his address, Professor Sidiqi said that in contemporary times theatre can give a new hope to the next generation for they can use it both as a means of entertainment and to vent their emotions.
On this occasion, he also announced that the IUST is opening Habba Khatoon Chair for Kashmiri language and literature to promote the rich culture of Kashmir.
Lauding the efforts of Academy, he said that people here are tirelessly working to preserve and promote the local languages and literature.
During the seminar, many papers were read out by Bashir Bhawani, Farooq Fayaz, Zameer Ashai, titled, ‘Technical requirement of stage drama’, ‘Kashmiri drama in comparison with western drama’, ‘Latest Trends as Reflected in Kashmiri Theatre Play’.