Ten Days, Diverse Voices, One Stage: IHC Theatre Festival 2026 Concludes on a High Note
The IHC Theatre Festival 2026 wrapped up with a historic performance by the NSD Sikkim Repertory Company, marking ten days of full-house shows.
The curtains have finally fallen on the IHC Theatre Festival 2026, leaving behind a trail of artistic brilliance and packed auditoriums. Held at the India Habitat Centre from September 18 to 27, the ten-day extravaganza celebrated the theme “Depth, Dynamism and Distinctiveness of Indian Theatre,” bringing together a vibrant tapestry of linguistic and cultural expressions.
The festival reached its grand finale on Sunday with a landmark performance titled Bhasbharatam. This Hindi production, presented by the National School of Drama's Sikkim Repertory Company, was particularly special as it marked the troupe's very first appearance on the Delhi stage.
A Historic Finale and Stellar Attendance
The closing ceremony was graced by prominent figures in the arts, including Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, serving as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Dr. K.G. Suresh, Director of the India Habitat Centre. The event drew a crowd of seasoned theatre practitioners, rising artists, and passionate enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the massive success of the event, Prof. Dr. K.G. Suresh noted that the festival witnessed full-house audiences every single day. He credited the seamless execution to the collective effort of the IHC team and highlighted that the overwhelming turnout is a testament to the enduring love the public holds for live theatre.
Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed immense pride in the Sikkim Repertory's debut in the capital, stating that hosting their first Delhi performance at the IHC was a significant milestone. He also voiced his hope for future collaborations between the NSD and IHC to foster greater theatrical exchange among artists.
A Linguistic Kaleidoscope of Performances
Throughout its run, the festival served as a melting pot of languages, featuring plays in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Punjabi. The diverse programming ensured that audiences were treated to everything from classical literary traditions to contemporary experimental pieces.
Notable Productions Included:
- Dancing With Dad: Written and directed by Maneesh Verma, which opened the Stein Auditorium programme.
- Breast of Luck: A production by Tannishtha Chatterjee and Sharib Hashmi, directed by Leena Yadav.
- Cilappatikaram / The Anklet's Verdict: A Tamil production directed by Sooraj Nambiar that brought classical literary traditions to life.
- Amb Da Boota: A devised performance by Anya Ghai, Bhavya Rampal, and others.
- The Tragedy of Ham Maclear: Written and directed by Akash Khurana.
- Window Tak Aashiqui: Written and performed by Manurishi Chadha.
- Har Marz Ki Dawa: Directed by Saurabh Nayyar.
- The Queen: Directed by Daniel Owen.
- Maaye Ni Meri Akh Lag Gayi: Written by Karanjot Singh and Hemank Soni.
- Home in a Suitcase: Written by Ramanjit Kaur and Ruhani Singh, and directed by Ramanjit Kaur.
- Hindi Medium Tight: Based on the book by Prabhat Ranjan and directed by Bijesh Jayarajan, featuring Himanshu Tyagi.
By bridging the gap between established masters and emerging theatrical voices, the IHC Theatre Festival 2026 has once again proven that the magic of the stage remains a powerful and relevant force in Indian culture.