Summer Theatre Festival: A Celebration of Diversity and Theatrical Excellence at LTG Auditorium
This August, the LTG Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi, resonated with the vibrancy of theatre and the thunderous applause of audiences. The Summer Theatre Festival, organized by the Natsamrat Theatre Sanstha, brought forth a series of memorable productions that made audiences laugh, reflect, and even shed a tear. Every play was directed by theatre practitioner Shyam Kumar, whose creative vision and disciplined stagecraft gave each presentation a unique impact.
On 2nd August, The festival opened with Anton Chekhov’s celebrated one-act play “The Proposal”, where a simple marriage proposal unexpectedly turns into a hilarious quarrel over land and pet dogs. The audience reveled in Chekhov’s wit and the actors’ comic timing. Following this, “Kallu Nai MBBS” unfolded—a biting satire on rural realities, woven into the clash between a drunken barber and his sharp-witted wife. Both plays became so popular that they were restaged on August 10, receiving equally enthusiastic appreciation.
On the eve of Independence Day, these two plays were performed again, filling the auditorium with waves of laughter while also compelling audiences to reflect on the absurdities of village life and the enduring sharpness of Chekhov’s writing.
On August 23, the stage witnessed contrasting shades of theatre. The first play, “Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein” by Ashish Kotwal, was dialogue-driven, portraying the poignant encounter between a reclusive elderly doctor and the free-spirited Mansi. Through their conversations, layers of solitude, emotional depth, and human relationships unfolded, leaving the audience deeply moved. Immediately after, R.B. Singh’s satirical comedy “Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi” took the stage. Centered around a hypochondriac man, his imagined death, and the hilarious dilemmas concerning his wife’s future, the play filled the hall with laughter while subtly commenting on life’s uncertainties and the intricacies of marital bonds.
The performances on August 30 were equally remarkable. “Chekhov Ka Sansar” immersed the audience in the Russian playwright’s world, introducing his stories and philosophy with sensitivity. This was followed by Satya Prakash’s “Kambakht Ishq”, which explored the loneliness of the elderly and their longing for companionship. The play balanced humor and pathos, evoking both laughter and tears.
The festival concluded on August 31 with two powerful productions. J.N. Kaushal’s “Kya Karega Qazi” revolved around the comical failures of the clumsy barber Fakhruddin, keeping the audience in constant fits of laughter. The final presentation, “Bichchu”, adapted from Molière’s classic, humorously depicted the tug-of-war between lovers and authoritarian fathers, blending satire with timeless comedy.
The actors—Vishwajit, Munmun, Shivangi, Aman Kumar, Raman Kumar, Dhananjay, Rajan K. Batheja, and Adyasha Mohanty—breathed life into their roles through energetic performances and powerful dialogue delivery. The thoughtful use of set design, lighting, and music further elevated the impact of the plays.
The Summer Theatre Festival by Natsamrat Sanstha was not just a theatrical showcase; it was a celebration of the diversity and strength of Indian theatre. With its rich blend of humor, satire, and sensitivity, the festival not only entertained but also reflected profound truths about life. Throughout the month, LTG Auditorium was charged with theatrical energy, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the minds of its audiences.