Silchar’s Beyond Bindu Shines At Colombo International Theatre Festival

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Colombo International Theatre Festival (CITF), Silchar’s theatre group Beyond Bindu made a significant mark by adding a new dimension to the festival. This group, based in Silchar, made its international debut with the play I Want to Fly Like a Kite, written and directed by Nehal Bhattacharjee, one of the founding members of Beyond Bindu. The play explored the complex emotions of human experience and was well-received by both the audience and critics alike.

At the prestigious Colombo International Theatre Festival, the play captivated everyone, earning several accolades. Nehal Bhattacharjee won the award for Best Director for his masterful execution of the production. Additionally, I Want to Fly Like a Kite was recognised as the Best South Asian Monodrama, a significant achievement for the Indian theatre scene. Nehal Bhattacharjee also received the honour of Best South Asian Monodrama Actor, further adding to the success of the group’s debut on the international stage.

In an interview, a proud Nehal Bhattacharjee mentioned that receiving these awards was not only a recognition for the theatre group but also a moment of pride for the Indian theatre fraternity. He remarked that this was a groundbreaking achievement for the group, with their debut performance at CITF marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Bhattacharjee hopes that the recognition and awards will shed new light on creativity and belief, serving as a source of inspiration for future artistic endeavours.

The Colombo International Theatre Festival, held from August 24 to August 30 at the Elphinstone Theatre in Colombo, aims to bring together the best talents from around the world while promoting cross-cultural exchanges. The successful international debut of Beyond Bindu has undoubtedly elevated Indian cultural representation on a global stage, highlighting the potential of Indian theatre artists. It is worth noting that Nehal Bhattacharjee, who completed his Master’s degree in Theatre from Pondicherry University, is currently engaged in research on various aspects of theatre.