NSD hosts writing workshop for youth in Srinagar
The National School of Drama hosts a specialized writing workshop in Srinagar to help local youth master the art of storytelling and scriptwriting.
In a significant move to nurture creative talent, the National School of Drama (NSD), in partnership with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, recently organized a specialized writing workshop for aspiring creators in Srinagar. The program aimed to bring together bright minds with a passion for arts and theatre, providing them with the technical tools needed to refine their storytelling abilities.
Mastering the Blueprint of Storytelling
The intensive sessions were led by Mumbai-based NSD trainer Rahul Shankriya, who guided participants through the fundamental architecture of a script. The training focused on the essential structural elements of a narrative, specifically teaching students how to construct a compelling start point, mid-point, and climax.
During the workshop, Shankriya emphasized the critical need for quality writing in the modern digital age. He noted that as social media and short-form video content like reels become dominant, the impact of visual media has expanded exponentially. "The visual medium has reached the era of reels," Shankriya remarked, observing the prevalence of content creation in Srinagar. He highlighted that because these formats reach massive audiences in minimal time, the quality of writing must be more focused than ever to ensure meaningful communication rather than the spread of misinformation.
Reviving Kashmiri Theatre Through the Pen
For many local participants, the workshop was more than just a technical course; it was a gateway to reviving the cultural fabric of the region. Basit Ahmad, an experienced theatre practitioner, noted that while he does not intend to be a full-time writer, he recognizes that writing serves as the indispensable foundation of all theatrical work.
Ahmad shared his experience of the transformative brainstorming sessions, stating, "I feel there is a writer inside me too. That writer is emerging because I come from Kashmir, and every person carries a lot of stories within them." He argued that to successfully revive the neglected theatre scene in Kashmir, the focus must shift beyond mere acting and presentation toward the strength of the written word.
Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
The participants expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity provided by the NSD. Masrat, an art student, highlighted the tangible difference the training made in their approach to the craft. "We learned core writing skills and techniques. Now, when we go to write, we feel a big difference between what we used to write before and what we will write now," she said, calling for more such initiatives in the future.
Another participant, Juddat, echoed these sentiments, noting that writing is the bedrock of filmmaking, screenwriting, and theatre alike. Juddat credited the government and institutions like the NSD for providing the essential tools and knowledge—such as plot development and character building—that allow local artists to compete on a larger stage.