Organized by Kashmir Performers Collective, Approved by Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Ehsaan Yousf
Ganderbal, April 7, 2025: In a grand celebration of art, heritage, and youthful expression, the Production-Oriented Theatre Workshop was inaugurated today at Government Degree College, Ganderbal. With the energetic presence of students, faculty, theatre lovers, and cultural dignitaries, the workshop commenced under the dynamic anchoring of Ms. Tooba Rasheed, setting the tone for a journey of creativity, learning, and cultural revival.
The workshop is proudly approved by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under its Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS), and is being held in collaboration with Government Degree College, Ganderbal, in association with Manzoor Mir’s Academy of Arts, Pattan, Kashmir. It is being organized under the visionary leadership of Kashmir Performers Collective (KPC), a dynamic theatre group rooted in Kashmiri soil.
Ms. Toiba Rasheed Workshop Coordinator
A warm welcome was extended to media professionals whose presence added great value to the occasion. Special acknowledgment was given to Mr. Gulfam Barji the dedicated Media Supervisor for his tireless coordination and commitment to cultural documentation.
Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir a celebrated playwright and director opened the session with a moving address highlighting the importance of theatre as a medium of healing, empowerment and cultural preservation. With his legacy of landmark productions and initiatives like Paather, Multilingual Theatre Festivals and Chochi Katter, Mr. Mir reaffirmed his vision of nurturing Kashmiri youth through the arts.
The day continued with deeply insightful lectures
Prof. Fouzia Fatima spoke on the Holistic Role of Theatre in Student Development, emphasizing its emotional and intellectual impact.
Mr. Bhawani Bashir Yasir conducted the first formal session on Basics of Theatre & Stage Production blending theory with practical guidance.
Mr. Mohammad Amin Bhat elaborated on Theatre Production Techniques and Their Contemporary Relevance.Mr. Syed Hamayun Qaiser inspired the audience with reflections on Theatre in Contemporary Society and praised the vision of Mr. Mir and his team. Dr. Morifat spoke passionately on The Role of Culture and Language in Theatrical Expression from a Kashmiri Perspective.
Mr. Nisar Naseem offered powerful insights on the evolving journey of Kashmiri theatre and the need for immersive, inclusive platforms. Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Haneef added his reflections on the critical social role theatre plays in Kashmir’s cultural discourse.
Ms.Toiba Rasheed concluded the speaker sessions with a personal narrative on Theatre Beyond Boundaries, bridging her external experiences with Kashmiri aspirations.
The workshop was officially opened to student participants with interactive introductions and sharing of motivations a heartwarming session led by Ms.Toiba Rasheed where each participant reflected on their journey into theatre.
The inaugural day concluded with gratitude extended to the entire college staff, organizing team, and media partners. Participants were reminded of workshop protocols including the commencement of physical theatre sessions under the mentorship of Ms.Aditi Arya (NSD alumna) from April 8, 2025.The organizing team was Mudasir Ahmad Khan, Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat and Sahil Shafi. With strong support from GDC Ganderbal faculty and staff.
This workshop stands as a beacon of cultural revival in Kashmir.
