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Journalism of Courage
He redefined the way theatre was conceived and performed in Punjab. A missionary,socialist,rebel,dramatist,activist,writer and a theatre director par excellence,Gursharan Singh says common man is his hero. Theatre for change,one that brings to fore the concerns of the common man and adds value to their lives,has been Singhs mission for the last many decades. He believes that creating awareness on key issues through theatre that reaches the rural audience is always needed. So,Singh stays away from the elitist theatre,for he believes it has nothing to say or contribute.
Influencing and encouraging an entire generation of young theatre activists,actors and theatre directors,Singh formed the Chandigarh School of Drama in the late 80s and to date,his students continue to stage his timeless plays. To pay tribute to their teacher and mentor,Singhs students,actors and fans have been staging the Gursharan Singh Nat Utsav for the last eight years.
This years edition features Rabindranath Tagores play Laal Kaner,adapted in Punjabi,depicting the life of workers in a gold mine. The grand finale will see two of Singhs plays: Baba Bolda Hai,a poignant play based on the 1984 riots,and Mitti Da Mul,an inspirational story about those who are considered nothing,like mitti (dust),but ultimately discover their value. This production depicts the playwrights strong mind. He has been our inspiration for years and will influence the coming generations, says Shabdeesh.
The festival is on till September 17 at Punjab Kala
Bhavan,Sector 16. The plays will be staged at 6:45pm
