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Kashmir theatre at crossroads as support, audiences dwindle

  • Idrees Bukhtiyar By Idrees Bukhtiyar
  • Comments 0
  • 09 Apr 2026

“Theatre is dying a silent death,” says Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan

Srinagar, Apr 07: Once a vibrant medium of storytelling and social reflection, theatre in Kashmir today stands at a precarious crossroads, with artists warning that the valley’s rich stage tradition is slipping into obscurity due to dwindling public interest, inadequate institutional support, and shifting cultural dynamics.

Veteran theatre practitioners say the art form, which once thrived on public participation and creative experimentation, is now witnessing a steady decline. They attribute this downturn to a combination of factors, including lack of government backing, limited audience engagement, and the absence of sustained promotional efforts.

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, a noted festival director and senior actor, believes theatre in Kashmir is “dying a silent death.” According to him, the disconnect between performers and audiences has widened over the years. “Public involvement is minimal, and theatre cannot survive without it. Government support is crucial, but what little assistance comes through cultural bodies is negligible,” he said.

Khan also pointed to concerns over content quality and societal attitudes. “There is a lack of strong, relatable productions that can draw audiences. At the same time, a conservative social environment has also contributed to the decline, limiting creative expression and participation,” he added.

Echoing similar concerns, veteran artist Amin Bhat described the post-1990s phase as a period when theatre in Kashmir became largely an individual pursuit rather than an institutional effort. “Earlier, theatre was often a part-time passion for those engaged in other professions. Today, many artists are dedicating themselves fully to it, but the lack of financial stability and opportunities is discouraging,” he said.

Bhat highlighted the long-term impact of political unrest in the 1990s, which disrupted cultural life and distanced audiences from theatre. “From the 1990s until the mid-2000s, people lost touch with this art form. Now, a new generation has emerged, but they need exposure and education about theatre to reconnect with it,” he noted, expressing concern over the uncertain future of the craft.

Adding to the chorus of voices, 65-year-old theatre artist and filmmaker Ayash Arif stressed the urgent need for structured support. He said that while a few theatre groups manage to secure assistance from the Ministry of Culture, most operate without any financial backing. “Before the 1990s, there were more than 40 active theatre groups in Kashmir. Today, most have disappeared. Revival of theatre does not seem to be a priority for the government,” he said.

“The unfortunate part is that we have only one theatre hall, Tagore Hall in Srinagar, for staging plays, and to date, no other has been built by the government. Such theatre halls should be established in every district to extend theatre to other parts of the valley.”

Artists also expressed frustration over what they describe as neglect and lack of recognition. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, a theatre artist from Pattan in Baramulla district, said many practitioners are struggling to sustain themselves. “There are artists who depend entirely on theatre for their livelihood, including myself. But the lack of support is breaking the backbone of this fraternity,” he said.

However, officials of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (J&KAACL) said they continue to promote theatre in the valley.

“The department stages plays on different themes across various parts of Kashmir. Recently, we also organised multiple performances in schools and colleges across the valley. We are committed to promoting theatre and are actively involving the youth as well,” Additional Secretary Kashmir, JKAACL, Adeel Saleem, told Rising Kashmir.

 

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