Prayagraj: “Theatre is not just my profession, but a culture that is in my breath. When we connect the new generation and children through theatre, we not only teach an art but also lay a strong foundation for a sensitive and better society.” Actress and director Sushma Sharma said these things on Friday in a discussion program organized by the North Central Zone Cultural Center, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The program was inaugurated by the keynote speaker Sushma Sharma, Center Director Sudesh Sharma and Dr. Mukesh Upadhyay (Deputy Director Programs) by lighting a lamp.
Renowned theatre personality Sushma Sharma, who has left an indelible mark on the world of theatre for the past three decades with her acting, direction, and playwriting, needs no introduction. From the nuances of acting to powerful play direction, her journey is a story of complete dedication to theatre. For this tireless dedication and outstanding contribution to the field of theatre direction, she has been selected for the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2024.
Acting in 35 plays and skillfully directing 54. Sushma Sharma, who received extensive acting training from various institutions from 1990 to 1995, reveals that she has performed in approximately 35 plays and successfully directed 54. She has staged her plays at national-level theatre festivals in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Orissa, Kolkata, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. He has a special expertise in solo plays. He has worked in such solo plays as “Dhoop Ka Ek Tukda”, “Krishna”, “Chola Mor Mati” and “Ek Thi Sara”. Gave new vibrancy to Sanskrit plays – He said that while on one hand Sanskrit theater is shrinking in today’s times, on the other hand Sushma ji has given new vibrancy to this ancient tradition by directing complex Sanskrit plays like Naganandam, Malavikagnimitram, Ashtam Sarga, Madhavi, Pratima Natak, Uttar Prashna and Mrichchakatikam.
Children’s Theatre and the Journey of ‘Samnvay Rang Mandal’ – After founding ‘Samnvay Rang Mandal’ in 1996 and working at the Bharatendu Natya Academy (BNA), Lucknow’s theatre group in 1997, he gave new dimensions to his art. Since 2012, his organization, ‘Samnvay Rang Mandal’, has been fully active. He has made a significant effort to inculcate theatrical values in the new generation through children’s theatre workshops. His book, ‘Khila Phool Gulab Ka’ (which includes seven plays), based on children’s plays, has been published. Furthermore, his plays, ‘Kauwa Kan Le Gaya’, ‘Durga Bhabhi’, and ‘Sabari Ki Pratiksha’, have been published regularly in the magazine ‘Kala Vasudha’.
Also a pioneer in radio, television, and research, Sushma has been active with All India Radio for the past three decades, writing plays, features, and articles for programs like “Yuv Vani,” “Nanhi Duniya,” “Bal Sangh,” and “Griha Lakshmi.” She has demonstrated her stellar acting in the Doordarshan telefilms “Jankibai alias Chhappanchhuri,” “Alakh Azadi Ki,” and “Ajib Dastaan Hai Yeh.” Under a fellowship from the Department of Culture, New Delhi (2005-2007), she conducted extensive research on “A Format Study of the Folk Theatre Traditions of Awadh.” She also translated a book on Madhubani artist Yashoda Devi into Hindi for the NCZCC. All the Center’s officials, staff, and dignitaries were present on the occasion. The program was moderated by Akash Agarwal.
