Srinagar, September 13: The three-day Kashmir Theatre Conference concluded in Srinagar on Sunday with a concluding and felicitation function, bringing together theatre practitioners, scholars, writers, artists and cultural enthusiasts to deliberate on the region’s theatrical heritage and future prospects.
The concluding day began with an academic paper-reading and presentation session at 11 a.m., followed by an interactive brainstorming discussion on “The Future Prospects of Theatre in Kashmir.”
The academic sessions featured presentations and discussions by several theatre scholars, writers and practitioners, including Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bhawani Basheer Yasir, Dr. Aiyash Arif, Ravi Kemmu, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Prof. Farooq Fayyaz, Lalit Parimoo, Majeed Khan, Shaikh Haneef, Shah-e-Jahan Ahmad Bhagat, Javaid Khan, Raees Wathoori, Nisar Naseem, Arshad Mushtaq, Reshi Rasheed, Hassan Javaid, M. Y. Shaheen, Hakeem Javaid, Ameen Bhat, Gulzar Fighter, Shaikh Altaf, Mir Sarwar, S. Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan.
The discussions focused on the evolution and development of theatre in Kashmir, its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Participants also discussed institutional support, creative experimentation, professional development, audience engagement and the long-term sustainability of theatre in the region.
The concluding and felicitation function commenced at 4 p.m. with introductory remarks by Seyad Humayun Qaisar, who welcomed the guests, participants, collaborators, sponsors and audience members.
Secretary Information Muneer-ul-Islam (IAS) attended the function as the Chief Guest, while Theatre Practitioner Ravi Kemu, Writer and Theatre Practitioner Gauri Shankar Raina, Actor and Director Lalit Parimoo, Cardiologist Dr. Sheikh Burhan, Vice Chairperson SSM College of Engineering Dilafroz Qazi, former bureaucrat and social activist Roma Wani, Additional Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Lal Chand, National Spokesperson of Lok Jan Shakti Party Sanjay Saraf and former Revenue Minister Syed Basharat Bukhari were present as Guests of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries appreciated ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW for organizing the conference and providing a platform for artistic expression, research and dialogue. They stressed the importance of cultural initiatives in preserving Kashmir’s theatrical heritage while encouraging contemporary creativity and emerging artistic talent.
Mementos were presented by the Chief Guest to collaborators, participants and sponsors, while members of ACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW were also felicitated for their efforts. The Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were presented traditional Kashmiri shawls and mementos.
The event also featured performances of the Kashmiri folk dance Roff and Bhand-e-Pather, adding a traditional cultural dimension to the concluding ceremony.
During the three-day conference, three theatrical productions were staged, including the Kashmiri plays “Zu Qadam Kaithis Taam” and “Conflict”, along with the Urdu play “Pagal Koun?” The productions received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan presented the vote of thanks.
The conference concluded with participants emphasizing the need to strengthen the theatre ecosystem in Kashmir, preserve traditional theatrical forms and create greater opportunities for artists, practitioners, scholars, writers and young creative voices.
