JAMMU, Jun 9: In a significant initiative aimed at enriching professional theatre education, the Bhartendu Natya Academy, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has invited eminent theatre director and Padma Shri awardee Balwant Thakur to conduct a week-long intensive theatre workshop in Lucknow beginning on June 10, 2026.
Bhartendu Natya Academy was established by the Government of Uttar Pradesh with the objective of providing theatre education of a standard comparable to the National School of Drama for the Hindi-speaking region. The academy offers postgraduate courses in dramatics and maintains a vibrant theatre repertory that stages high-quality productions across Uttar Pradesh and at national and international platforms. As part of its commitment to excellence, the academy regularly invites distinguished theatre practitioners and scholars from across the country to conduct specialized workshops and training programmes for its students.
The invitation extended to Balwant Thakur is being viewed as a major opportunity for the academy’s students and theatre enthusiasts, considering his vast experience and international exposure in the field of theatre. Recognized as one of India’s leading theatre personalities, Balwant Thakur has devoted more than four decades to theatre direction, training, research, and cultural activism. His pioneering work in contemporary Indian theatre and his innovative efforts in taking theatre to remote and conflict-affected regions have earned him national and international acclaim.
A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri, Balwant Thakur has represented Indian theatre in numerous countries and has participated in theatre festivals, cultural exchanges, workshops, seminars, and training programmes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. His theatre learning and exposure encompass a wide range of global performance traditions, including contemporary theatre practices, experimental theatre, community theatre, physical theatre, and intercultural performance methodologies. Over the years, he has closely interacted with some of the world’s most respected theatre institutions and practitioners, enriching his artistic vision with diverse international perspectives.
Through the forthcoming workshop in Lucknow, participants will have the unique opportunity to benefit from Balwant Thakur’s extensive knowledge, creative insights, and global understanding of theatre. The programme is expected to provide valuable practical training in acting, stagecraft, performance techniques, character development, and contemporary theatre practices, thereby contributing significantly to the professional growth of emerging theatre artists.
he workshop is anticipated to be a memorable learning experience and a major academic enrichment exercise for the students of Bhartendu Natya Academy.