Habib Tanvir Festival

In February 2005 The Government of NCT of Delhi and Seher presented Naya Theatre productions featuring the legendary director Padma Bhushan Habib Tanvir’s plays for the students of Delhi.

A pioneering Indian theatre director, playwright, poet and actor, Habib Tanvir founded the Naya Theatre in 1959. The festival, aimed especially at college students, presented Tanvir’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as “Kamadeo ka Apna Basant Ritu ka Sapna”, which was one of the three productions selected for the festival – the other two being the well known “Agra Bazar” and “Charandas Chor”.

The veteran director and his famous Naya Theatre Company performed these three of their classic productions in mid-morning shows at 10 colleges. These productions are Tanvir’s contemporary interpretations of the classical Natya, a blend of the spoken word, song, instrumental music and dance, which is India’s theatre legacy since ancient times.

Founder’s Note:

“We cannot talk about art performances without talking about preservation. The youth must have opportunities to indulge in and first-hand witness the works of legendary artists for they are the artists of tomorrow. The Habib Tanvir festival was aimed at inspiring students to continue rendering the world with art. To enjoy Tanvir Habib’s legendary work and to get inspired by his depth of knowledge and ability to breathe life in plays.”