Vidyanidhee Vanarase | Pune’s Theatre Scene Set to Flourish with Prasad’s ITI Leadership

On Jul 2, 2023

Pune : NpNews24 Online – Vidyanidhee Vanarase | Distinguished theatre practitioner Vidyanidhee Vanarase is embarking on an enthralling journey with students from the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama in Bhopal, bringing them into the captivating world of Anton Chekov. Under his direction, they are currently working on a play called “Suhane Afsaney,” based on the renowned Russian playwright’s captivating short stories.

Prasad, as Vanarase is widely known, is receiving accolades for his recent accomplishment as the Vice-President, Asia-Pacific, of the International Theatre Institute (ITI). He has made history by becoming the first Indian theatre practitioner to join the esteemed Executive Board of this global network, which unites theatre professionals from around the world.

Established in 1948 by UNESCO after World War II, ITI aimed to create platforms for international exchange and education in performing arts, transcending political divides and fostering peace through artistic collaboration. Prasad recognizes the significance of his new role in terms of enhancing possibilities for regional theatre and aims to initiate collaborative projects among artists from India and other countries.

Currently, ITI encompasses ten Asian countries, and Prasad intends to expand its reach by involving more nations. He envisions the development of an independent creative project involving countries from the Indian Peninsula, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and others.

While acknowledging the tendency to prioritize Western collaborations, Prasad emphasizes the vast potential for cultural and creative exchanges within the Eastern and oriental world. He believes in exploring the untapped possibilities within the Asia-Pacific region and aims to encourage further exploration and collaboration.

In Pune, ITI’s impact is palpable through the IAPAR International Theatre Festival, an annual event founded and directed by Prasad. Over the past several years, the festival has attracted experts from 36 countries, showcasing their works, conducting workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and engaging with local artists and audiences. ITI has also facilitated opportunities for Indian performers to showcase their talent abroad, fostering a global exchange of artistic expression.

Prasad’s outstanding achievements and his new position within ITI hold the promise of creating greater opportunities for regional theatre and enriching the cultural and creative landscape, not only in Pune but throughout India and beyond.

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