Lok Sabha Question No. 210 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Theatre Olympics
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, P.R. SUNDARAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. *210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## THEATRE OLYMPICS

## *210:   SHRI SATAV RAJEEV : SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that India's music and dance forms tend to get a lot of play internationally whereas traditional theatre has not got the recognition and opportunity it deserves, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to organize a World Theatre Olympics inviting countries to showcase different theatre forms and if so, the details thereof along with the main theme of the event;
- (c) the number of countries expected to participate in the event and the agency shortlisted to organise this event ;
- (d) whether any date has been fixed to organise this event and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  the other steps taken by the Government to promote home grown talent among the best in the world?

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

## ANSWER

- (a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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## Statement  referred  to  in  reply  to  parts  (a)  to  (e)  of  Lok  Sabha  Starred Question No. *210 for 31.07.2017 regarding Theatre Olympics

- (a) Yes, Madam.  It is a fact that the music and dance forms of India get more chances than the traditional theatre and get showcased at international level.  However, it is also a fact that traditional theatre also gets recognition and is showcased at the international level through various theatre workshops and other such events.  The National School of Drama (NSD), an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture is mandated to take steps to  promote  Indian  traditional  theatre  by  organizing  workshops,  festivals  and  other activities.
- (b)  The  National  School  of  Drama  (NSD),  an  autonomous  body  under  the  administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, proposes to hold a Theatre Olympics in India during the period  from  17.02.2018  to  08.04.2018.  Ministry  of  Culture,  Government  of  India  has accorded 'in principle' approval to the proposal of the National School of Drama subject to other statutory clearances. The said theatre Olympics is going to be held for the first time in India which will be one of the biggest events in the world.  Approximately 500 shows across 15 cities in the country will be held.  The best Theatre productions from various foreign countries will be showcased in front of the audience of Delhi and 15 other major cities of India.  The theme of the 8th Theatre Olympics is "Flag of Friendship".
- (c)  The  NSD  has  requested  89  Embassies  of  foreign  countries  situated  in  Delhi  to  send proposals of theatre groups from their countries.  NSD has also written to around 106 foreign theatre groups/directors to send their proposals.
- (d) The 8 th Theatre  Olympics  is  scheduled  to  be  held  in  India  from  17 th February  to  8th April 2018.
- (e) The National School of Drama provides a three-year full- time Diploma Course for the entrants  intending  to  make  their  profession  in  Theatre  Art.  The  syllabus  takes  into account the methods of eminent theatre personalities who have shaped contemporary theatre  in  all  its  forms  and  expressions.  It  includes  broad-based  training  in  classical dramatic traditions in India and the West, modern theatre trends in India and abroad, and in the traditional and folk theatre of India, and specialized training in Indian theatre traditions.  Apart  from  theatre  teaching  &  training,  NSD  also  organizes  various  theatre festivals  like  Bharat  Rang  Mohatsav,  Jashnebachpan/  Bal  Sangam,  Tribal  festivals  and theatre workshops etc. for promotion of theatre arts in the country.