Organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture in collaboration with the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, the Theatre Festival in Andaman & Nicobar Islands concluded with the staging of the play Babuji at Dr. B.R Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC, drawing a large audience. The event was part of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – International Theatre Festival of India, bringing world-class theatrical performances to the Islands.
Babuji, written by Mithileshwar, adapted for stage by Vibhanshu Vaibhav, and directed by Rajesh Singh, presented a poignant exploration of the emotional and moral dimensions of a traditional Indian family. The play centers on an ageing patriarch, affectionately called Babuji, who embodies honesty, discipline, sacrifice, and quiet resilience. Having devoted his life to nurturing and supporting his family, Babuji gradually finds himself sidelined in a society driven by material aspirations and evolving priorities.
Through realistic situations and layered dialogues, the play captures the emotional struggles of elders in modern society, highlighting how their lifelong sacrifices can be overlooked. The narrative explores themes of empathy, gratitude, and the erosion of family values in the face of social change. Audience members were prompted to reflect on the treatment of elders and the need to restore dignity, emotional warmth, and respect within families.
The festival offered Island audiences the opportunity to experience diverse theatrical expressions under the aegis of the National School of Drama. The event showcased performances that combined artistry with social commentary, fostering cultural engagement and discussion among viewers.
Babuji stood out for its strong character development and nuanced portrayal of interpersonal relationships. The play’s depiction of generational tensions, moral responsibility, and the societal marginalization of the elderly resonated deeply with the audience. The director employed realistic staging and subtle performance techniques to convey the layered narrative, making the play both engaging and thought-provoking.
Organizers emphasized that the event aimed to expose local audiences to high-quality theatre and encourage appreciation for performing arts. By hosting the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav in the Islands, the Directorate of Art & Culture and NSD provided cultural enrichment, inspired emerging local artists, and fostered dialogue on social themes through theatre.
The play’s conclusion reinforced the importance of preserving family values and societal respect for elders. By combining compelling storytelling with social reflection, Babuji achieved both artistic excellence and cultural relevance. Audience reactions highlighted a strong engagement with the themes, demonstrating the continued relevance of theatre as a medium for social awareness and introspection.
Overall, the Theatre Festival successfully merged global standards of performance with local cultural engagement, offering residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands an opportunity to connect with socially reflective theatre. The festival’s finale, Babuji, exemplified how performing arts can address pressing social issues while celebrating human emotions, resilience, and ethical values.
The Directorate of Art & Culture confirmed plans to continue organizing similar events, emphasizing the role of theatre in promoting cultural literacy, ethical reflection, and creative expression within the Islands.
