Leh, July 15, 2026: A Ladakhi theatre play titled “RANGWANG”, based on the historic Salt Revolution (Namak Andolan) led by Mahatma Gandhi, was staged today at the Lotsava Auditorium, Ladakh Cultural Academy Complex, Leh, as part of the National Theatre Festival 2026.
The programme was organised under the aegis and direction of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary celebrations of “Vande Mataram” and in commemoration of Mahakavi Kalidas Jayanti. The festival carries the theme “Bharat Speaks Through Theatre | Yuva Rangmanch Se Rashtra Jagran.”
The play “RANGWANG” was presented in the Ladakhi language by Mandala Artworks, Ladakh, under the direction of young and dynamic theatre director Ms. Diksit Angmo. The production was supervised by Sh. Tsetan Angchuk and Sh. Sonam Stobgais.
The play presented the historic narrative of the Salt Revolution in a powerful and engaging theatrical form, beautifully adapted for the Ladakhi audience. As many as 27 young artists participated in the production. The music for the play was composed by Sh. Rigzin Gurmait and Smt. Tsering Chorol, while the lyrics were penned by renowned Ladakhi lyricist Sh. Tsetan Angchuk Nyamo.
The programme was graced by Sh. Tashi Gyalson, Hon’ble former Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, as the Chief Guest. Sh. Tsewang Paljor, Deputy Secretary, Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (LAACL), and Sh. Nazir Hussain, Deputy Secretary, LAACL, attended the programme as Guests of Honour. Sh. Mipham Otsal, NSD alumnus, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and former General Council Member, SNA, and Sh. Tundup Dorjey, General Council Member, SNA, were present as Special Guests.
The programme commenced with “Vande Mataram”, followed by the National Anthem, after which the theatre performance was presented before a packed and enthusiastic audience at Lotsava Hall.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries and theatre experts highly appreciated the efforts of the young artists and the entire creative team. Sh. Tundup Dorjey, GSM, SNA; Sh. Tsewang Paljor, Deputy Secretary, LAACL; and Sh. Mipham Otsal, NSD alumnus and former GSM, SNA, interacted with the young participants after the performance and shared valuable guidance, suggestions and encouragement.
They particularly appreciated the artistic commitment and enthusiasm of the young theatre practitioners and encouraged them to continue exploring theatre as a powerful medium of cultural expression and social awareness.
The performance received an overwhelming response from the audience, with the Lotsava Hall witnessing a packed gathering of young theatre enthusiasts and cultural lovers. The audience highly appreciated the staging of such a meaningful and historically significant play in the Ladakhi language and expressed the desire for more such theatre productions, particularly for the younger generation, in the future.
The programme was ably conducted by Ms. Stanzin Angmo of Taru Village, a young and dynamic anchor.