10th edition of Bal Sangam signs off in grand style

THE 10TH EDITION of ‘Bal Sangam’, National School of Drama’s signature festival of folk and traditional performances, on Tuesday, culminated with great pomp and show at the NSD campus in the Capital. The colourful carnival involving young artists from India and Bangladesh captured children’s folk performances and theatre across both the countries at its very best.

Spread over five days, the festival concluded with a rousing performance ‘Rang Se Rang’, with concept and choreography by Suresh Shetty and Moon Moon Singh and a glittering valedictory ceremony involving eminent theatre and film personality Manoj Joshi, as the chief guest, theatre and television actor Vibha Chibber as the guest of honour and M.L. Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India as the special guest. Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama presided over the function.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, noted theatre and film actor Manoj Joshi said, “I am happy to be here at the hallowed campus of NSD. It was great to see the child artists presenting India in its full cultural diversity in their dance and music performances”.

Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama said, “We are planning to open four new centres of T.I.E. Co. across the country. We will also start a special two-year course for children under T.I.E. Co. Over 400 child artists from all across the country came and participated, making it one of the most successful editions of ‘Bal Sangam’ ever.”

‘Bal Sangam’ 2017 brought together children from India and Bangladesh who charmed their way through some captivating folk and traditional performances presenting a varied cultural mosaic. The festival included plays by child artists as well as art and craft workshops, the highlights being Baul Children from West Bengal, Yakshagana from Karnataka, Thangta from Manipur, Ankiya Nat from Assam,

Nautanki from Uttar Pradesh, Chhau from West Bengal, folk dances from Punjab, Kalari from Kerala, and dances from Mizoram.