NSD’s Theatre Festival Finds Its Stride with ‘Andha Yug’

Shimla Nov 05 , Ritanjali Hastir

After a slow start, the 7-day National Level Theatre Festival, organized by the National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory in New Delhi, gained momentum with the staging of *Andha Yug*, a timeless drama by Dharmaveer Bharti and directed by the renowned Shri Ramgopal Bajaj. Set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata’s final day, Andha Yug unfolds in the chaos following the great war. The story reflects on human fragility, greed, and the repercussions of a world consumed by violence and revenge. King Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, along with other war survivors, embody the agony of defeat, casting a profound light on the darkness that plagues society when ethics are abandoned.

Despite the play’s powerful performances and thematic depth, audience experience suffered due to layout issues. The heads of other spectators obstructed many from seeing pivotal moments on stage, forcing some to leave mid-performance. The dramatic vulture fight scene, for example, lost much of its impact due to the limited view.

This production of Andha Yug shows promise for a discerning audience, but the venue setup needs adjustment to ensure its full appreciation by all viewers.