Budgam, Feb 12 (KNS) : In a bid to revive Kashmir’s centuries-old theatre tradition and simultaneously drive home the message of environmental conservation, a group of young artists staged a recreated Bhand Pather play ‘Shikargah’ in an open-air performance at Dreygam in Budgam district on Wednesday.
Directed and curated by theatre activist Rayees Wathori, the performance underscored the intrinsic link between humans and nature. Through the folk art form, the artists depicted critical issues including destruction of wildlife habitats, unregulated mining polluting water bodies, and the choking of rivers due to indiscriminate waste dumping.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Wathori said Bhand Pather continues to retain its relevance as a powerful medium for social messaging.
“Bhand Pather is still magic. It is a strong medium to educate people about social and environmental issues,” he said, adding that the art form does not require elaborate infrastructure to thrive.
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“We do not need grand stages. Bhand Pather is pure magic when performed in open spaces, even under the shade of Chinar trees. Pather Rozi Jaery — the Pather will keep moving,” Wathori said.
In a marked departure from government-backed cultural events, the organiser said the show was conducted entirely without institutional support.
“There was no support from anyone. I personally funded the expenses to ensure that our tradition does not vanish,” he said.
Locals applauded the energy and commitment of the young performers, hailing their efforts to keep the indigenous theatre form both alive and socially engaged.
Bhand Pather, a traditional theatre form of Kashmir, combines satire, music and dialogue and is recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of India’s prominent folk theatre traditions. (KNS)