Theatre lovers in Jammu were treated to a groundbreaking artistic experiment today at the Natrang Studio Theatre, where glimpses of future theatre, conceived, designed, and directed by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur were presented before exclusive audiences. This pioneering presentation marked a bold step towards creating a new theatrical language capable of transcending geographical and linguistic barriers, thereby placing Jammu on the global cultural map.
Balwant Thakur, internationally acclaimed for his innovative and visionary contributions to contemporary theatre, once again demonstrated his unparalleled ability to blend tradition with modernity. His earlier landmark productions such as Ghumayee, Bawa Jitto, and Mahabhoj have not only enriched Indian theatre but also established new aesthetic benchmarks worldwide. With this latest initiative, he pushes the boundaries even further by venturing into a performance style that relies on poetic visual imagery, rhythmic group movements, artistic light design and soulful ensemble sounds, rather than conventional dialogue, to communicate universal concerns.
The presentation vividly portrayed pressing issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, peace, corruption, mental health and human survival, offering a shared language of emotions and imagery that resonated deeply with the audience. The non-verbal yet profoundly expressive style ensured that the message carried an immediacy and accessibility capable of reaching audiences across cultures and continents with the same intensity.
Speaking on the occasion, Balwant Thakur emphasized that this work is still in its experimental stage and will continue to evolve. He reflected on his recent exposure to leading international theatre productions in England, where he engaged with top global theatre-makers. This international exchange, he noted, has infused new energy into his creative pursuits, sharpening his vision of theatre as a medium that must continuously innovate to remain relevant in the rapidly changing world.
“Although I have been experimenting with innovative theatre for over four decades,” Thakur shared, “the growing international acceptance and appreciation for such work motivates me to explore further dimensions. Today’s theatre must transcend boundaries of spoken language and directly connect with the heart and imagination of audiences everywhere.”
Today’s demonstration left the audience spellbound and deeply inspired, with many lauding the experiment as a potential turning point for Indian theatre on the global stage. Spectators expressed optimism that this futuristic theatre language—rich in movement, sound, and visual poetics—will not only elevate Natrang’s reputation internationally but also pave the way for a new era of theatrical expression.
As the curtains fell, one thing became clear: this experiment is not just a glimpse of future theatre—it is the dawn of a new theatrical journey, poised to resonate across the world.
The bright artists who remarkably performed in this unique theatre presentation included Neeraj Kant, Mohd. Yaseen, Aadesh Dhar, Brijesh Avtar Sharma, Maloop Singh, Mitali Sarmal, Vrinda Sharma, Kananpreet Kaur, Parmjeet Singh, Pawan Verma, Roshan Singh, Sahil Sharma, Palshin Dutta, Vijay Bhat, Arun Dev Verma. Amit Rana, Vansh Pandotra, Sanjay Singh, Shaptan Singh, Mandeep Singh, Aryan Sharma, Kartik Kumar, Pawan Verma, Adaksh Bagal Arjun Soni, Priya, Vishal Sharma, Sunder Singh, Vijay Sharma, Sanket Bhagat Ajay Sharma and Kushal Bhat.
