Row over, Theatre Olympics rolls towards 2018

ICTO’s other objection was that “the conditions...concerning the air fares, artistic fees, per diems, accommodation are not of international standard”.

With Manipuri director and poet Ratan Thiyam accepting the position of Artistic Director, the Theatre Olympics, one of the biggest theatre events in the world, is back on track in India. It will be held in 2018. Earlier this month, the International Committee on Theatre Olympics (ICTO) had sent a letter, refusing permission to the Delhi-based National School of Drama (NSD) to use the title ‘Theatre Olympics” for their planned event that had been formally announced by Union Minister of Culture Mahesh Sharma on July 12.

One of the points of conflict, according to ICTO’s letter, was “The invitations sent to the members of International Committee on Theatre Olympics and to other theatre companies are not signed by the Artistic Director Ratan Thiyam as they should be.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, Thiyam said, “My position as Artistic Director has been cleared only a few days back. Now, I am in a position of Artistic Director. I have accepted the position because bringing the Theatre Olympics to India is very important for the theatre community and even to NSD. I love my country and I think this will be the most remarkable part of my life.”

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Thiyam is the only Indian member of ICTO and had been chairman of NSD until August.

ICTO’s other objection was that “the conditions…concerning the air fares, artistic fees, per diems, accommodation are not of international standard”.

Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama, has said, “We provide five-star facilities. We cleared the doubts and said, ‘You come and see our standards.’”

Kendre had responded to the letter sent by ICTO and received a reply in which the organisation has said, “In what concerns the unfortunate events of the leakage to the media, if you are asked, you can confirm that our collaboration… is moving forward intensely and creatively.”

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With a budget of Rs 51.81 crore, The Theatre Olympics is set to stage some of the best shows from India and the international stage in India. Kendre said there will be between 450 and 500 productions across 17 states.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More

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