Birbhum Blossom Theatre

Nestled in the tranquil village of Dwaronda in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India, Birbhum Blossom Theatre has emerged as a remarkable theatrical platform that seamlessly weaves together artistic expression and traditional, ecological and cultural consciousness. Established on January 15, 2006, this initiative began its journey with the Bengali theatre production Rajar Chhele (Son of the King) playwright and direction by Partha Gupta, graced by the presence of luminaries like renowned theatre personality Shri Ratan Thiyam, and other like Prof. Larry Sacharuk (Chair, Department of Theatre, Fordham University), and Prof. Sujit Kumar Basu (Vice Chancellor, Visva-Bharati University, Shantinekatan).

Located near the iconic Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, the Blossom Theatre (in Theatre Cottage) is a reflection of the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the region, Santhal (tribal community) dominated area. Spread over 1.17 acres of lush greenery, Theatre Cottage is a carefully crafted eco-friendly campus designed by Partha Gupta, founder of Birbhum Blossom Theatre. It is noteworthy to mention that the Birbhum Blossom Theatre has an open air auditorium shield with mud and its wings and backdrop is crafted with palm leaving its mark as an important performance space in Indian contemporary scenario.

The productions of Birbhum Blossom Theatre are a harmonious blend of Bengali and Santali artistic traditions. In 2013, the Theatre staged its first Santali production, Hnasa Ora Ria Sereng (The Song of the Earthen Cottage), which marked a significant milestone by introducing Santali storytelling to the wider theatre community. In addition, the Blossom Theatre has celebrated the works based on Rabindranath Tagore’s three plays Raktakarabi (Red Oleanders), Muktadhara (Free Flow), and Daakghar (The Post office). These works have been adapted thematically and performed in the Santhali under their respective Santhali titles (Arah baha, Linjit Dak, Mitten Bahawak Daran). Birbhum Blossom Theatre hosts exhibitions throughout the year—currently featuring the works of Shri Ratan Thiyam—and also conducts regular children workshops, including both school-goers and non-school-goers.

Birbhum Blossom Theatre is more than just a performance venue; it is a dynamic cultural institution that celebrates the interconnection of heritage, traditional theatrical form of West Bengal, innovation, and environmental awareness. Under the visionary leadership of the creative director Partha Gupta, the Birbhum Blossom Theatre has become a space where traditions are preserved, new narratives are born, and communities come together.

Birbhum Blossom Theatre organizes the Annual Festival “Theatre & Theatre” (National Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre) and coordinates several prestigious national, cultural events like:

1.  Adi Bimb (National Tribal Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre)
2.  Adi-Rang Mahotsav (National Tribal Festival of Dance, Music and Theatre)
3.  Enek Sereng Parab (National Santhali Festival of Dance and Music)

These festivals are held across India and celebrate the rich diversity of indigenous and tribal performance tradition. The National School of Drama and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, play leading roles in organizing these events.

Many of these festivals are also staged in Dwaronda village, near Santiniketan, where Blossom Theatre is based and plays a central role in their coordination and presentation.

It is worth noting that the eminent theatre personality Shri Ratan Thiyam has served as an advisor and continues to extend his support on a regular basis.