About Us

2013

Dastak school of performing arts ushered in the Year 2013 with BERTOLT BRECHT`S play “The Exception and the Rule’s punjabi adaptation QAYEDA by Rajinder singh based on Brechtian style of Acting. Theatre practitioners of Dastak Academy of Performing Arts had rigorous training in the skills of acting, body dynamics & music for duration of more than two months.

Zealous efforts of group director Mr. Rajinder Singh and ever creative music director Mr. Ravi Nandan and production house as a whole created one of the finest productions of the group i.e. QAYADA

 

The play was staged on 2nd June 2013 at VIRSA VIHAR, AMRITSAR with an energetic response.

 

2012

“Upperli Manzil”, a short story penned by one of the stalwarts of Punjabi literature S. Kartar Singh Duggal happened to win hearts of the masses and the critical appreciation of the literary classes due a mosaic of brilliant performances by the actors who unfold a trauma and distress of a husband whose wife leaves him alone and aloof after 15 years of their marriage as she is in love with an Army Captain. Under the able direction of Mr. Rajinder Singh the performance stole the show at Virsa Vihar, Amritsar on the occasion of 27th March 2012 World Theatre day. The performance is bound to be cherished by all and sundry for long time to come for the awesome exhibition of psychoanalysis of the characters by the performers.

 

In July 2012, Dastak in collabaoration with National School of Drama, New Delhi & Punjab Naatshala, Amritsar organised a theatre workshop with a purpose to train the aspiring theatre artists. The scope of training schedule embraced in its gambit a wide range of theatre skills i.e. acting, music, physical training, light & costume designing of theatre. Inspired artists reflected the skills of Brechtian style of acting in their performance play Mr. Puntila and his man Matty. Punjabi adaptation by Rajinder Singh & Rahul Pawaar; VADDA BANDA CHOTTA BANDA.

 

The production was staged successfully on 19th August 2012 at Punjab Naatshala under direction of Camp Director & Organizer Mr. Rajinder Singh. Music was composed by Mr. RAVI NANDAN.

30th AUGUST 2012

 

30th August 2012 was the day when Dastak got honored to raise the curtain of theatre festival of Punjabi young directors being organized by Sangeet Naatak Academy, New Delhi in collaboration with Punjabi University, Patiala with an auto biographical production MANDO. The play was based on life of famous Punjabi writer Shiv Kumar Batalvi popularly known as BIRHA DA SULTAN. Play was written & musically composed by Mr. Ravi Nandan and crafted artistically by Mr. Rajinder Singh.

 

The play and the performance won much acclaim and critical appreciation. Above all, the play is bound to be celebrated for the rich original music score depicting the various phases of life of the loved poet SHIV KUMAR BATALVI.

 

2011

Dastak organised shows of Mando, a play based on the life of most celebrated punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi. The Play engulfs whole life span of the poet and is brimmed with events which shaped the pains and joys of the poet. It was only the appreciation and critical appraisal that the audience showered on the beloved production that motivated Dastak to perform it six times in the year 2011, which includes performances on 12th, 13th, 19th 20th March 2011and 2nd, 3rd April 2011 at Punjab Naatshala, Asr. One show was organized at “VIRSA VIHAR” on 30th march 2011. And one show was arranged in Preet Nagar, Asr. on 20th April 2011. This play is directed by Mr. Rajinder Singh and Written by Mr. Ravi Nandan.

 

2010

Dastak organised a theatre workshop for the youngsters in collaboration with National School of Drama, New Delhi. This workshop held at Doaba College, Jallandhar from 1st August 2010 to 30th Aug. Dastak presented a Play named “MANDO” …… journey of Shiv Kumar Batalvi. Mando was performed at Punjab Naatshala on 4th & 5th sep. 2010. DASTAK also staged a show of UPPAT at Punjab Naatshala on 9th oct. 2010 & one show at NAAT PLACE Verka, Amritsar on 6th nov. 2010.

 

2009

The year started wonderfully as DASTAK’s landmark production ISHQ SU JAG DA MOOL was awarded with a performance in one of the most prestigious international theatre festival i.e. BHARAT RANG MAHOTSAV. Performance was staged at LTG Auditorium of New Delhi on 18th January 2009.

 

In March 2009, Dastak gave its 2nd Production of the year- Wahen Paye Darya which was staged on the occasion of WORLD THEATRE DAY at VIRSA VIHAR, AMRITSAR on 26th Mar. 2009. Play “UPPAT” staged at VIRSA VIHAR, AMRITSAR on 3rd May 2009 was the 3rd production of the year.

 

July 2009, marked the organization of annual 30 days long Theatre Workshop in collaboration with “National School of Drama” at Lovely Professional University, Jallandhar. From 1st July to 30th July 2009, DASTAK staged its new production named AGAD AKHARA. It is an adaptation of the “Mid summer night’s dream in Punjabi by RAJINDER SINGH. Group performed this play twice at Punjab Naatshala, Amritsar on 1st & 2nd August 2009. DASTAK was also invited to perform in Nehru Center 13th theatre festival, Mumbai on 13th October 2009; group performed its play Wehan Paye Darya.

 

2008

In pursuit of a unique experiment, Dastak organized its new production on 5th, 6th January 2008. The play named UPPAT is a combination of three Punjabi short stories, written by three different renowned writers of Punjabi literature named Kartar Singh Duggal ( Upperli manzil ), Balwant Gargi ( Pattan di bedi ), Harsharan Singh ( Tared ). This experimental play by DASTASK is marked as classic by many theatre lovers.

 

While understanding its responsibility towards environment and nature conservation, Dastak staged two performances named COSMONOUT which aptly conveyed a message Save the Earth. Play was written by Mr. Balram and directed by Rajinder Singh. Performances were given on19th May 2008 at VIRSA VIHAR, Amritsar and 20th May 2008 at APJ College, Jallandhar.

 

Dastak organized its annual theatre training workshop ( in collaboration with NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA) for 45 days, from 20th June 2008 to 3rd August 2008 at Police DAV Public school, Amritsar. During the workshop a delightful play ISHQ SU JAG DA MOOL was produced and staged at PUNJAB NAATSHALA on 2nd, 3rd August 2008. Play was contemporary version of Heer Ranjha. The Production received an encouraging response from everyone and was selected for the BRM 2009, New Delhi &13th Nehru theatre festival2009, Mumbai.

 

Dastak performed UPPAT on 29th November 2008 at VIRSA VIHAR, Baby one of the most challenging production of the group was performed in collaboration with Venkateshwara College, New Delhi, written by renowned hindi playwrite VIJAY TENDULKAR and Directed by Rajinder Singh at PUNJAB NAATSHALA on 3rd & 4th January 2008.

 

2007

Dastak organized a 30 days workshop at S.R. GOVT COLLEGE in collaboration with Punjab Naatshala & Amandeep Hospital. 30 girls participated and gained theatre education during the workshop under guidance of N.S.D. allumni Mr. Rajinder singh(2006 ) Amit saxena(2006) Meeta mishra(2005), Babita panday(2004) & Mandeep singh ( M.F.A. Chandigarh ).

 

Students prepared a play named ‘’JIN DHUNDA TIN PAYA’’ written by Mr. Balram, concept & direction by Mr Rajinder Singh.

Production was based on allumni of S.R. Govt College, Amritsar, like Kiran Bedi, Neelam Maan Singh Chuadhry & Deepti Naval.

 

Mrs. Kirti Jain, prominent theatre critic, eminent theatre Director & also ex-director of NSD, was present as a chief guest during the closing ceremony of the workshop.

 

‘’JIN DHUNDA TIN PAYA’’ was staged on 30th June 2007 at PUNJAB NAATSHALA.

 

2006

In 2006, Dastak organized a 45 days theatre workshop in collaboration with Creator’s Society, Khalsa College, Punjab Naatshala & Amandeep Hospital, AMRITSAR. From 30 May to 14th July 2006 almost 36 students participated and got trained during the process. Best part of this workshop’s production was that, a single play was performed by four different casts in four different styles.

 

Script was one but all four presentations looked different from each other. In final presentation Mr. Daljeet Singh (Principal Khalsa College), was present as a chief Guest at Punjab Naatshala on 13th & 14th July 2006. Students of the workshop presented four shows of a play named “SADRAAN….” based on Shambhu Moitra’s Bengali play which was adapted & directed by Rajinder Singh.

 

In the same year Dastak organized a 15 days children theatre workshop with DAV Public School, Amritsar at Khalsa College Amtritsar from 30th May 2006 to 15th June 2006.

 

2005

One month theatre workshop was conducted at J.J Public School, Chheharta by Dastak regarding Cultural & Theatre awareness in children.

 

Many theatre performances, choreographies etc were prepared & staged during the culmination.

 

On the last day, Balram`s full length play for children titled “ROBOT TE TITLI” was staged at Punjab Naatshala, Amritsar which was directed by Rajinder Singh. The Set, Light & prop of the play was designed by Dheerendra Singh Dwivedi (NSD alumnus 2006 ). It was a two day children theatre festival.

 

2003

A 15 day theatre workshop was organized by Dastak from 1st July to 15th July at JIWAN JYOTI PUBLIC SCHOOL. On 16th July with combined efforts of Dastak and Jiwan Jyoti Public School, Dastak`s president Mr. RAJINDER SINGH was applause and celebrated for his selection at “NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA”, NEW DELHI. He was given best wishes for his future by his well-wishers. Many great personalities of theatre field were present during the celebration. Selected folk items prepared during the time of workshop were performed. Rajinder Singh was honored by the School staff , Principal & the students.

 

2002

Three short theatre workshops (ten day`s each), was conducted by Dastak during this year at Jiwan Jyoti Public School Primary Wing, Khandwala (ASR).

 

Children participants were prepared with awareness regarding culture and manner`s with mixture of basics of theatre.

 

2001

A theatre workshop was conducted from 15th June to 15th July 2001 at JIVAN JYOTI PUBLIC SCHOOL, AMRITSAR by Dastak.

 

Play named “MAINU MERE MUMMY PAPA TON BACHAO” Written by Harpal Singh was staged under the direction of Rajinder Singh.

 

Different theatre items, choreography & children songs were taught to the children and they performed the same on 15th July 2001. Inauguration of the workshop was done by Madam NEETA MOHINDRA.

 

2000

In the year 2000, from 7th June to 8th July Dastak organized a 30 days theatre workshop at SHRI GURU HARGOBIND KHALSA HIGH SCHOOL, CHHEHARTA AMRITSAR.

 

The performances prepared and performed were:

 

1. DERE WALA BABA writte by Rajinder Singh

2. KHEDAAN written by Kewal Dhaliwal

3. ASSI INSAAF CHAHUNDE HAAN written by Rajinder Singh

All these plays were designed & directed by camp director Rajinder Singh.

 

1999

1. From 2nd June to 16th June 1999 a fifteen days theatre workshop was conducted for children at RASHTRIYA BAL SHIKSHA KENDRA, ISLAMABAD AMRITSAR. During the workshop plays written by HARPAL SINGH were directed by Rajinder Singh. In addition, dance choreography based on children’s songs which are written by Dr. Santokh Singh SHEHRYAR & JASBIR SINGH JASS was also staged. Inauguration of the workshop was done by MR. KEWAL DHALIWAL.

 

2. A month long theatre workshop from 15th June to 15th July 1999 was also successfully completed in the same year by Dastak at JIVAN JYOTI PUBLIC SCHOOL, CHHEHARTA AMRITSAR. Following plays were prepared and performed in the workshop:

 

“PHER OHI BASTAA” written by PALI BHUPINDER

“PAATE KHAN-NADDU KHAN” written by SR. GURSHARAN SINGH

 

These plays were directed by the camp director RAJINDER SINGH.

Various children songs & choreographies based on child psychology were also staged.

 

1998

A workshop based on children’s song was conducted by the efforts of Dastak in May 1998 at JIVAN JYOTI PUBLIC SCHOOL, CHHEHARTA, AMRITSAR.

During the culmination of this workshop Dr. Santokh Singh Sheharyar’s children book titled CHAND MAAMA-CHAND MAAMA was inaugurated. The Book was released by DR. J.S BAWA. Chief guest who graced the occasion were DR. JATINDER BRAR, Principal HARINDER RIAR & Principal HARCHARAN SINGH KATHANIA, MR. KEWAL DHALIWAL, DR. SANTOKH SINGH SHEHRYAR & JASBIR SINGH JASS.

 

1997

CONGRESS GRASS:- Recognized as one among the seven most devastating weeds of the world, Parthenium Hysterophorous or popularly known as congress grass happens to be a major biological pollutant of our environment. Despite expansion of literature on various aspects of this obnoxious weed availability of reports on its concern raised by the spread its tentacles almost throughout the country.

 

1. Dastak started a revolutionary movement to end congress grass from15th April to 15th May 1997. During this time the members and students of Dastak destroyed such unwanted congress grass from surroundings of KHALSA COLLEGE PUBLIC SCHOOL, KHALSA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, GOVERNMENT SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHHEHARTA, RASHTRIYA BAL SHIKSHA KENDRA and B-BLOCK AREA of ISLAMABAD (ASR), by uprooting congress grass and then burying the same into the earth’s surface. Final ceremony of this camp was completed at GOVERNMENT SEN. SEC. SCHOOL, CHHEHARTA under the leadership of SARDAR JASBEER SINGH JASS. During this program KHALSA SEN. SEC.SCHOOL’s Principal NIRMAL SINGH BHANGU, theatre personality KEWAL DHALIWAL, KHALSA PUBLIC SCHOOL’s Principal “HARINDER RIAR”. GOVT. SEN. SEC. SCHOOL’s Principal “DALIP SINGH SANDHU, DR. SHEHARYAR, AMAR SINGH BABBAR etc, shared their valuable views with the audience.

 

2. Same year under the direction of RAJINDER SINGH, play writer “DR. SANTOKH SINGH SHEHARYAR’s play “GAAJAR BOOTI” was prepared on 31st May 1997. The play was performed same day at GURU ARJAN DEV NAGAR (DILAWRI STREET) Main Park at 5:30 pm in Amritsar. About TEN shows of the play were staged in different cities and villages to aware the people regarding “GAAJAR BOOTI”.

 

3. In the continuation of Children Theatre Workshop, KHALSA SEN. SEC. SCHOOL, NAWAPIND (MEHTA), A 15 day’s theatre workshop for children was organized by Dastak from 1st June to 18th June 1997. On 1st June a function was organized in which, participation of five different schools took place. The programme was witnessed by gathering of about four thousands (4000) audience. Except it choreography and child sonnets, following children plays were also performed:

 

RAMA RATAN’s play “PASOORI’’ directed by MARKASPAL

 

DR.SHEHARYAR’s play “ENNA WADDA SACH” directed by RAJINDER SINGH

 

JAGIR SINGH CHHENA,DR. AMANDEEP, DR. AVTAR SINGH, and School’s honorable Principal SR. JAGDISH SINGH were honorable guests .

Another theatre workshop for children was conducted during the same year from 1st July to 15th July at KHALSA SEN. SEC. SCHOOL,

AMRITSAR. Thirty five (35) students from about ten different schools participated in the workshop. Two prominent plays which were staged during the culmination of the workshop were:

 

a) “RAIL GADDI” written by BALDEV SINGH Directed by RAJINDER SINGH

 

b) “GHULAMI TON AZAADI WALL” Written and Directed by whole group

 

Choreography and songs were prepared from the book of DR. SHEHARYAR.

 

1996

On 5th june1996, Dastak organized its first revolutionary Theatre Workshop till 20th june 1996 at Jiwan Jyoti Public School,Chheharta (ASR).

Caretaking Members of this group and workshop during that period were- Jatinder Brar, Dr.Sheharyar, Harcharan Singh Kathania, Lt.Jasbir Singh Jass, Principal Harinder Riar, Dr. Amandeep (Amandeep Hospital).

 

Performance staged during the workshop was – Dr. Atamjeet’s Play ‘’Gubbare’’ & Gursharn Singh’s play Tamasha-e-Hindustan, Directed by Rajinder Singh.

 

Another workshop during the same year was organized from 1st july 1996 till 18th july 1996 at Khalsa Public School Amritsar. Final performance at Dashmesh Auditorium (G.N.D.U).It was second effort by Dastak Theatre Group.

 

The performances prepared during this time were-

 

1. Guddiya Zindabad directed by Rajesh Sharma.

2. Papa Main Hindostan Lawanga, directed by Manchpreet.

3. Gubbare directed by Rajinder Singh.

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