National Theatre Festival 2026: A Cultural Showcase in Himachal Pradesh

Celebrating Theatre in Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood
Mandi
A five-day National Theatre Festival is set to unfold in Himachal Pradesh from October 2 to 6, showcasing a variety of theatrical performances at the Shakuntalam Theatre in Satohal, with free admission for all attendees.

This festival will bring together artists and theatre companies from across India, highlighting the rich tapestry of the country's theatrical heritage. Organized by the Himachal Cultural Research Forum and Theatre Repertory, Mandi, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the event aims to create a vibrant platform for theatrical expression.

Each evening at 6:30 PM, audiences can enjoy five different plays that explore themes of social issues, literature, mythology, and human relationships, all at no cost.

The festival kicks off on October 2 with 'Gaj, Foot, Inch', a play by renowned playwright K.P. Saxena, directed by Mukesh Sharma and performed by the Samvad Theatre Group.

On October 3, 'Ek Inspector Se Mulaqat', an adaptation of J.B. Priestley’s famous work 'An Inspector Calls', will be staged by Abhinav Rangmandal from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, under the direction of Sharad Sharma.

October 4 features 'Vyaktigat', a play by Lakshmi Narayan Lal, directed by Vandana Vashishth and presented by Rang Virasat from Delhi, showcasing a prominent metropolitan theatre group.

The festival will delve into Indian mythology on October 5 with 'Gandhari', focusing on the intricate character from the Mahabharata, written by Jayvardhan and directed by Ashish Shrivastava, performed by Chetna Rang Samuh from Bhopal.

Concluding the festival on October 6, 'Raseedee Ticket', based on Amrita Pritam's literary work, will be presented by the Himachal Cultural Research Forum and Theatre Repertory.

This festival not only aims to entertain but also emphasizes the importance of theatre as a medium for discussing literature, social issues, and cultural heritage. By inviting diverse theatre groups to a smaller venue like Satohal, the event seeks to bridge the gap between urban cultural centers and local audiences.

The organizers encourage theatre lovers, writers, artists, students, and the general public to join in and experience the rich variety of theatrical traditions on display.