Performers at IGNCA to promote ancient art form 'Behrupias'

A multidisciplinary festival, featuring at least 70 performers from across the country, on the ancient art form of 'Behrupias' or impersonators, is set to open here at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) next week.

The three-day "National Behrupia Festival" will run from October 5-7. It will exhibit paintings and photographs on 'Behrupia' art, along with hosting theatre performances and documentary screenings.

'Behrupia' art is a traditional form of dramatized storytelling and entertainment that found genesis in the courts and marketplaces, IGNCA said in a statement.

However, the competition this ancient art is facing from other means of entertainment requires us to preserve and promote it -- something that the festival will aim to do, it added.

The event will also have engagement activities for children, as well as media and art students, IGNCA Member Secretary Sachchidanand Joshi said in a statement.

The festival, organized in collaboration with cultural organization Martanda Foundation, has been curated by designer-filmmaker Rupesh Sahai.