Leh, July 15: The historic Salt Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi was brought to life on stage as the Ladakhi theatre production “RANGWANG” captivated a packed audience at Lotsava Hall in Leh during the National Theatre Festival 2026.
Presented by Mandala Artworks, Ladakh in the Ladakhi language, the play was staged under the aegis of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram and the commemoration of Mahakavi Kalidas Jayanti. The festival is being held under the theme, “Bharat Speaks Through Theatre | Yuva Rangmanch Se Rashtra Jagran.”
Directed by young theatre director Diksit Angmo, the production featured 27 young artistes and portrayed the story of the Salt Revolution through a culturally adapted Ladakhi narrative. The production was supervised by Tsetan Angchuk and Sonam Stobgais, with music composed by Rigzin Gurmait and Tsering Chorol, while the lyrics were written by noted Ladakhi lyricist Tsetan Angchuk Nyamo.
Former LAHDC Leh Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson attended the programme as the chief guest. Deputy Secretaries of the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Tsewang Paljor and Nazir Hussain, were the guests of honour. Mipham Otsal, NSD alumnus and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, along with Tundup Dorjey, General Council Member of the Akademi, attended as special guests.
The programme began with Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem before the performance. Following the play, theatre experts interacted with the young artistes, appreciating their efforts and encouraging them to continue using theatre as a medium for cultural preservation and social awareness.
The performance received an enthusiastic response, with a packed Lotsava Hall applauding the initiative to present a historically significant story in the Ladakhi language. The event was anchored by Stanzin Angmo of Taru village.
