Lucknow: The week-long golden jubilee celebrations of Bhartendu Natya Akademi culminated on Sunday with a vibrant and emotional finale, as students, faculty and theatre enthusiasts gathered to mark the occasion with enthusiasm and nostalgia.Students in traditional attires and young performers, many of whom spent years honing their craft at the institute, were seen capturing memories on their phones.Selfie corners became lively hubs, with students eagerly clicking pictures with their teachers and staff members, expressing gratitude and affection.Students used creative props for photographs, turning the premises into a visual treat. Groups of girls posed gracefully with flowers in hands, while others experimented with theatrical accessories.Two plays, ‘Dutvakyam‘ and ‘Ab Na Banegi Dehri’, received applause for powerful storytelling, vibrant performances and traditional themes rooted in Indian culture.‘Dutvakyam’ is based on a poem by Sanskrit playwright Bhas. Directed by Divya Srivastava it was staged by Gauri Kala Mandap, Varanasi. It focuses on the episode of Mahabharat in which Lord Krishna arrives at Hastinapur as peace ambassador and tries to convince Kauravas to avert war for justice to Pandavas. But the arrogant Duryodhan rejects his offer while blind Dhritarashtra remains indecisive. The dialogue fails, setting the stage for war.Directed by Bipin Kumar, ‘Ab Na Banegi Dehri’ was based on novel written by Padma Sachdev and adapted by Asif Ali. The play revolves around a young disheartened widow Revathi, who tries to commit suicide in a temple and is rescued by Giribaba a young mahant. They fall in love, but Giribaba, being a ‘brahmachari’ (vowed celibate) backs out so that mankind’s belief in religion remains intact.As the curtains fell on the final performances, the atmosphere turned reflective. Students and faculty exchanged smiles, hugs and photographs, cherishing the memories of a historic milestone. The golden jubilee celebrations ended on a high note, leaving behind a sense of pride and inspiration for the future.
