The Department of Art & Culture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has announced the organisation of a two-day theatre festival scheduled for September 25-26, 2025, at Sri Vijaya Puram. The event is being promoted as a cultural initiative to showcase the richness of Indian literature while reinforcing the power of theatre as a medium of social reflection and artistic expression.
The festival will provide a platform for theatre groups and cultural associations across the Islands to stage adaptations of Indian literary works. Scripts originally written in any Indian language can be adapted, but all performances must be staged in Hindi, ensuring broader accessibility for audiences. Alongside adaptations of classics, the organisers have welcomed original productions that address contemporary issues such as education, gender equality, mental health, and environmental awareness.
Participating groups are required to submit full scripts or screenplays to the Department of Art & Culture for review and approval. The guidelines stipulate that each play should run between 40 and 60 minutes, offering audiences both a complete narrative and an engaging theatrical experience. Submissions will be reviewed based on relevance, quality of content, and stage feasibility.
Selected entries will be featured during the festival, giving performers a platform to connect with audiences through meaningful storytelling and stagecraft. The Department will extend logistical support to participants, including venue arrangements, basic stage setups, and promotional backing to ensure the event garners sufficient public attention.
The submission deadline for entries is September 19, 2025. Interested theatre groups and cultural associations have been directed to contact the Department of Art & Culture for submission guidelines. Further information is also being provided through an Artist liaison officer, whose contact details have been circulated for queries and clarifications.
By inviting both traditional literary adaptations and original narratives, the event seeks to capture the breadth of India’s cultural diversity. Plays exploring timeless themes from Indian literature are expected to resonate alongside those addressing modern-day social challenges. Organisers expect the combination to attract both regular theatre enthusiasts and first-time audiences looking for socially relevant art.
The initiative also underscores the Department’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the performing arts. Theatre, with its emphasis on live performance and collective engagement, is being positioned as a medium that not only entertains but also provokes dialogue. Themes like gender equality, education, and environmental concerns are expected to spark discussions that go beyond the stage.
Participants who are selected will benefit not only from performance opportunities but also from the visibility the festival is expected to create for local theatre in the Islands. With the Department handling promotions, the festival is likely to receive coverage across media platforms, further amplifying its reach.
For the local community, the festival promises to be both an entertainment event and a cultural showcase, bringing together artistic talent while offering insights into social issues through performance. By combining traditional storytelling with contemporary themes, the initiative bridges the past and present, highlighting how theatre continues to remain relevant in an evolving society.
The Sri Vijaya Puram festival thus aims to emerge as more than a performance showcase. It represents a tribute to India’s literary heritage and a call for theatre to continue serving as a tool for reflection, dialogue, and social progress. Submissions remain open until September 19, with organisers expecting an enthusiastic response from theatre groups across the Islands.
