Since 1962 World Theatre Day has been celebrated theatre professionals, theatre organizations, theatre universities and theatre lovers all over the world on the 27th of March. This day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth. Theatre is a powerful social tool. On the eve of World Theatre Day, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organized a special play at Tagore Hall. Salaam 1950’s Ke Naam” play was staged by the artists of Mumbai, which is written and directed by Nadira Zaheer Babbar. The function was organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Kashmir. In the play, stories of every scene are narrated in the form of classic Bollywood songs and play also highlights the traditional rivalry between different sectors, which was common earlier in India. However, artists mesmerized and enthralled the audience with their sparkling performance. Theatre is a powerful instrument for social change and academy has been encouraging theatre-related activities in the state. The play contains all that conventional formulaic stuff, including love and revengeful Thakurs and Kabeelawalas (tribesmen), family ties, sacrifice, friends and role of villains. According to Nadira Babbar, her support will be always for the artists of the Valley. Whenever you need our help in reviving the theatre in Kashmir, our team will be always to respect your call. Nadira said that it has been her cherished dream to perform at Srinagar and now the dream has realized on the occasion of World Theatre Day. Theatre has always been a powerful social tool to make statements. So, it isn’t surprising when a couple of compelling performers come together as a reaction to a world ridiculing people who are overweight. Anuradha Rao, who is the director of Big Fat Company in Bengaluru, comprising plus-sized cast, says they were tired of playing maid servants and mothers-in-law or just being used as comic elements. “Big Fat company as an ensemble of actors, initially got together to challenge ourselves as actors. In the general theatre scene, we are given stereotypical roles. Body is the main tool of a performer. And, we use it as much as we can. It has been a wonderful journey for us so far —to be just present in our bodies as us on stage, rather than hiding behind a text or a costume.” On a larger note, all these groups are trying to create a communion through theatre, by bringing multiple disciplines, bodies and ideas. Theatre must thrive.