Theatre Olympics 2018

THEATRE OLYMPICS INDIA 2018 TITLE: “THE FLAG OF FRIENDSHIP”

Organised by National School of Drama under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

In the Indian theatre tradition there is deep and meaningful relationship between Theatre and the Flag. According to ancient texts, at the first ever theatrical performance in his court, Lord Indra, the king of Devatas (demi gods), used the power of his flag over the Daityas (evil spirits) to silence their objections and to remove all obstacles placed by them to prevent the performance. He then presented this flag to the actors, thus forging bonds of friendship between the Gods and performers.

It is with the same spirit and intent of friendship, we present to all practitioners of this great Art, the theme of Theatre Olympics 2018 – ‘Flag of Friendship’! 

Flag of Friendship – celebrates universal friendship and, just as Indra’s flag acts as a protector and symbol of the Indian theatre tradition since time immemorial, we hope and pray that this 21st century event - Theatre Olympics 2018 – will hoist the flag of friendship and human values throughout the world.

Indian philosophy has always propagated the importance of the indivisible whole as above that of the individual. This Oneness can only be achieved through the feeling of friendship towards every living being. With this philosophy as its fountainhead, theatre upholds the dignity and unity of humanity and not the pride of an individual. Here every artist’s individuality becomes a sacrificial offering to the indivisible and infinite Oneness. 

Today, the demon of violence and terrorism is surfacing stronger than ever. Together, more than ever before, we need to combat the situation, where the world is being held to ransom for trivial reasons and petty gains. With the Flag of Friendship, we are endeavouring to bring the world together by organising and hosting Theatre Olympics 2018.