Question : Theatre Olympics

(a) whether it is a fact that India''s music and dance forms tend to get a lot of play internationally whereas traditional theatre has not got the recognition and opportunity it deserves, if so, the details thereof and
the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government proposes to organize a World Theatre Olympics inviting countries to showcase different theatre forms and if so, the details thereof along with the main theme of the event;

(c) the number of countries expected to participate in the event and the agency shortlisted to organise this event ;

(d) whether any date has been fixed to organise this event and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to promote home grown talent among the best in the world?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)


(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (e) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *210 for 31.07.2017 regarding Theatre Olympics


(a) Yes, Madam. It is a fact that the music and dance forms of India get more chances than the traditional theatre and get showcased at international level. However, it is also a fact that traditional theatre also gets recognition and is showcased at the international level through various theatre workshops and other such events. The National School of Drama (NSD), an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture is mandated to take steps to promote Indian traditional theatre by organizing workshops, festivals and other activities.

(b) The National School of Drama (NSD), an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, proposes to hold a Theatre Olympics in India during the period from 17.02.2018 to 08.04.2018. Ministry of Culture, Government of India has accorded ''in principle'' approval to the proposal of the National School of Drama subject to other statutory clearances. The said theatre Olympics is going to be held for the first time in India which will be one of the biggest events in the world. Approximately 500 shows across 15 cities in the country will be held. The best Theatre productions from various foreign countries will be showcased in front of the audience of Delhi and 15 other major cities of India. The theme of the 8th Theatre Olympics is "Flag of Friendship".

(c) The NSD has requested 89 Embassies of foreign countries situated in Delhi to send proposals of theatre groups from their countries. NSD has also written to around 106 foreign theatre groups/directors to send their proposals.

(d) The 8th Theatre Olympics is scheduled to be held in India from 17th February to 8th April 2018.

(e) The National School of Drama provides a three-year full- time Diploma Course for the entrants intending to make their profession in Theatre Art. The syllabus takes into account the methods of eminent theatre personalities who have shaped contemporary theatre in all its forms and expressions. It includes broad-based training in classical dramatic traditions in India and the West, modern theatre trends in India and abroad, and in the traditional and folk theatre of India, and specialized training in Indian theatre traditions. Apart from theatre teaching & training, NSD also organizes various theatre festivals like Bharat Rang Mohatsav, Jashnebachpan/ Bal Sangam, Tribal festivals and theatre workshops etc. for promotion of theatre arts in the country.

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