Panaji: A young theatre collective from Goa is set to represent the state’s rich cultural and freedom movement legacy on a national platform after Desh Raag, a critically acclaimed Konkani play written by researcher and playwright Yugank Naik, was selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, for its prestigious National Theatre Festival commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The festival, organised by the country’s apex institution for dance, drama and music under the Government of India, will be held nationwide on July 15, coinciding with Kalidasa Jayanti. Theatre productions from across India exploring themes related to the country’s freedom struggle have been selected for the special celebration.
Goa’s entry, Desh Raag, revisits a lesser-known yet defining chapter of the state’s liberation movement through the life of Bala Raya Mapari, regarded as Goa’s first martyr. The production chronicles the socio-political atmosphere of 1953–55, presenting the early resistance against Portuguese colonial rule through meticulous historical research and evocative storytelling.
The play earlier won the Best Original Script award at the 50th Kala Academy State Drama Competition, earning praise from theatre critics for its historical authenticity, emotionally layered narrative and energetic performances by an entirely young cast. Since its premiere, Desh Raag has travelled across Goa, completing seven successful performances.
One of its most significant recent shows was staged on June 18, observed as Goa Revolution Day, when Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali, organised a special performance exclusively for students, introducing younger audiences to an important chapter of Goa’s freedom struggle.
Beyond its artistic merit, Desh Raag represents a broader effort to reconnect younger generations with Goa’s freedom movement through theatre. By combining rigorous archival research with contemporary stagecraft, the production seeks to revive memories of sacrifices that remain relatively absent from mainstream historical narratives.
Box: Kala Academy Show on July 15 with an All-Under-40 Team
For the national festival, the production is being recreated in accordance with the guidelines of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which stipulate that every member of the cast and technical crew must be below the age of 40.
Reflecting this vision, the production brings together 75 performers and nearly 30 technicians, all under 40 years of age, making it one of the largest youth-led theatre productions from Goa in recent years.
The special performance will be staged at Kala Academy, Panaji, on July 15 at 6:00 pm. The Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Goa, is the nodal agency coordinating the festival in the state.
