BRICS Theatre Festival Kicks Off in New Delhi with Nine Nations

The three-day BRICS Theatre Festival started at the National School of Drama in New Delhi on Monday. Theatre practitioners, scholars, students, and cultural representatives from nine member and partner countries are taking part in the event.

Performances and Venues

Performances come from national theatre schools and leading institutions in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia. Shows are happening at multiple venues across New Delhi, including the NSD Abhimanch and Sammukh auditoriums, Kamani Auditorium, LTG Auditorium, and Meghdoot Theatre. Tickets cost 200 rupees each and are available on BookMyShow. The opening day featured 'Samudra Manthan', written by Asif Ali and directed by the NSD director, at the Abhimanch Auditorium. Russia has two theatre groups performing, and India is presenting two productions.

Leaders and Statements

The Ministry of Culture organized the festival to support artistic and cultural exchange. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Other officials present included Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary and India's 2026 BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Dalela, NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy, and ambassadors and heads of mission from participating nations. Minister Shekhawat stated that culture helps societies understand each other even when histories and languages differ.

Context

The National School of Drama, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, serves as the main agency for the festival. The event showcases classical, contemporary, and experimental theatre forms from diverse cultural backgrounds.