National School of Drama promotes theatre in Sikkim

Gangtok (Sikkim): The Sikkim centre of the National School of Drama (NSD) is actively promoting theatre in the region to encourage budding actors. Recently, NSD Sikkim came out with a non-verbal play on Sikkimese traditions and culture that left the audience spellbound and appreciative of the effort. The play, an adaptation of the novel “Sonam” written by Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, is about the love story of two Sikkimese youth. It was directed by Abhilash Pillai and scripted by Hasta Chettri, and showcased the rich history of Sikkim. The artists, who expressed themselves only through action, did a wonderful job. “This is the first functioning state center of NSD in the country that teaches as well as organizes performances. The audience here received the play very well and gave strong positive feedback for the performances. This confirms that there is huge scope for theater here,” said Abhilash Pillai, Director. The theater group, trained by the National School of Drama, New Delhi, is working hard to promote the art among the youth in Sikkim. “The actors who are working here come from all the four districts of the state. We aim to promote the art and culture of the state, and spread awareness in Sikkim,” said Bipin Kumar, Director, National School of Drama, Sikkim Center. “The play ‘Kalo Sunakhiri’ that I just saw is a fusion of modern and classical techniques. It shows the level which contemporary theater has reached. The play was a wonderful experience for me,” said Shyam Pradhan, a spectator in the audience that watched the play. The National School of Drama has been working with different state governments of the Northeast to promote theatre among the youth. It recently started a center in Tripura and has been regularly organizing workshops and training sessions in different states to attract the youth. ANI