early times report
Jammu, Jan 2: Renowned theatre director, playwright and cultural icon Balwant Thakur’s acclaimed play ‘Aap Hamare Hain Kaun’ by NATRANG has been invited to be staged at the world’s largest International Theatre Festival, being organised by the National School of Drama (NSD). The prestigious festival brings together celebrated theatre productions from across the globe and is being held in India, with additional performances and cultural exchanges extending to Sri Lanka and Nepal, reaffirming South Asia’s growing prominence on the global theatre map.
Balwant Thakur’s ‘Aap Hamare Hain Kaun’ will be staged on 13th February 2026 at the LTG Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi, a venue synonymous with landmark theatrical performances. The selection of the play for this globally respected festival underscores its artistic excellence, contemporary relevance, and universal appeal.
Aap Hamare Hain Kaun is a powerful and thought-provoking work that confronts parents, guardians, educators, and society at large with uncomfortable yet urgent questions. The play shakes elders out of the reverie of materialism, consumerism, and unbridled ambition that increasingly defines modern life.
It highlights how children are often viewed as extensions of their parents’ unfulfilled dreams rather than as individuals with their own identities, talents, and aspirations. In the relentless pursuit of producing doctors, engineers, or civil servants, children are subjected to emotional pressure, psychological cruelty, and the systematic suppression of creativity and joy. Through poignant scenes, sharp dialogue, and evocative theatrical imagery, the play compels audiences to reflect on the mess created by misplaced priorities and to rediscover empathy, balance, and responsibility.
Balwant Thakur is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential theatre personalities, with a remarkable global presence spanning decades. His productions have been staged and appreciated across Asia, Europe, and other international platforms, representing Indian theatre at major festivals and cultural forums.
Known for blending strong social themes with innovative theatrical language rooted in Indian aesthetics, Thakur has consistently used theatre as a medium for dialogue, reform, and cultural exchange. His work transcends regional boundaries, speaking to audiences worldwide while remaining deeply connected to grassroots realities. |
