India to host eighth edition of Theatre Olympics

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) With more than 500 plays and 700 ambience performances, India is all set to play host to the eighth of the prestigious Theatre Olympics.

The event, which will see performances by theatre artists from across the world, will be organised by National School of Drama (NSD) and the culture ministry.

Scheduled from February 17 to April 8 next year, the country's tryst with the biggest celebration of theatre will be held in 15 cities across India.

Not just performances by eminent theatre personalities, there will also be allied activities like exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and workshops with well-known academicians, authors, actors, designers and directors. Bharat Rang Mahotsav which is usually organised during the same period will be clubbed along with the Theatre Olympics, making it a more bigger event.

"With India hosting the Theatre Olympics will put us among the top nations in the world theatre map. It is a foremost international festival presenting the finest productions of well-known theatre practitioners from around the world," said NSD Chairperson Ratan Thiyam.

The Theatre Olympics was first established in 1993 at Delphi in Greece. Japan hosted the second edition in 1999, followed by Russia in 2001. In 2006 it was held in Turkey, South Korea in 2010 and China in 2014.

The festival allows anyone to participate and we will soon roll-out advertisements regarding the application process. We have a screening committee who will take the final call on teams participating in it," NSD Director Waman Kendre added.

While the event will be marked with a gala opening where hundreds of artists will perform, the closing ceremony is planned to be held in Mumbai.