About Dastak

Founded on 02 December 2002, Dastak is a professional theatre group committed to meaningful theatre, artist development and creative exploration. Guided by Punj Prakash, an acting graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, the group works through a continuous process of training, experimentation and performance.

Over two decades, Dastak has presented 25+ productions across cities, towns and villages in India, exploring traditional, modern and experimental forms of theatre and adapting works by renowned Indian and international writers alongside original productions.

Dastak also provides a creative platform for emerging actors, writers, directors, designers and theatre-makers, encouraging experimentation, collaboration and individual artistic expression.

With a commitment to quality theatre, nurturing new talent and socially relevant creative work, Dastak continues to contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian theatre.

Our Productions

What We Do!

Actors Training

Dastak Theatre, Patna offers practical actor training focused on voice, body, expression, improvisation and stage presence.

Production Making

Dastak Theatre, Patna undertakes professional, collaborative theatre production, integrating direction, performance, design, music, lighting and technical execution to create impactful stage productions.

Workshops

Dastak Theatre, Patna’s workshops offer a dynamic space to explore, learn and perform, with hands-on training in acting, voice, movement, improvisation and theatre-making.

Performance

Dastak Theatre, Patna creates and presents live theatre productions, developing stories through rehearsals, acting, direction and stagecraft for engaging audience experiences.

About the Director

Punj Prakash is an actor, director, theatre practitioner, writer and trainer with nearly 30+ years of professional theatre experience. Born on 5 August 1976, he began his stage journey as a child artist in play Parivartan. He holds an Honours degree in History from Magadh University and trained in Acting at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, from 2004–07. He subsequently worked with the NSD Repertory Company from 2007 to 2012.

A founding member of Dastak Theatre Patna, established in 2002, Punj Prakash has worked extensively in acting, direction, adaptation, writing, training, music, lighting and theatre design. His work engages with literature, social concerns and contemporary life through traditional, modern and experimental theatre. He has directed numerous productions.

He currently serves as Director of Dastak & Creative Head of House of Variety, Patna and continues his independent creative & training practice.

Our Journey

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VISION

  • Promote Meaningful Theatre:  Create thought-provoking performances that connect with society and contemporary life.
  • Nurture Theatre Talent: Train and mentor emerging actors, directors, writers and theatre practitioners.
  • Build a Strong Theatre Culture:   Make Patna a vibrant and active centre for theatre and performing arts.
  • Encourage Artistic Innovation:  Support experimentation in storytelling, acting, music, lighting, design and direction.
  • Create Platforms & Opportunities: Provide artists with regular opportunities through productions, workshops, festivals and collaborations.
  • Expand Theatre’s Reach: Build wider audiences and take the creative work of Patna and Bihar to national platforms.

MISSION

  • Training & Development of Artists : To help individuals enhance skills like imagination, confidence, communication, self‑realisation etc
  • Theatre as a Way of life: To elevate theatre beyond entertainment into personal growth and social awareness.
  • Promotion of Culture, Folk Arts & Literature: To promote rich culture, folk theatre forms, folk performing arts.
  • Highlighting Social Issues & Sensitizing Audiences: To use theatre as a medium to bring forth social evils, raise awareness, sensitize people about societal issues.
  • Opportunities & Excellence: To maintain quality of work among their productions and training.
  • Holistic Development (Children & Overall): To work particularly on the physical, moral, artistic, and intellectual development of children.

GOALS

  • Develop Theatre Artists:  Provide regular training and practical opportunities for actors, directors, writers and technical artists.
  • Produce Quality & Ticketed Theatre: Create professionally produced performances and build a strong  ticketed theatre-going culture in Patna*, where audiences actively support theatre by purchasing tickets.
  • Strengthen Patna’s Theatre Community:  Build a collaborative platform for local theatre groups and independent artists to work, learn and grow together.
  • Engage Young People:  Introduce children and youth to theatre through acting classes, workshops and production-oriented learning.
  • Build a Strong Theatre Audience: Develop a regular audience base in Patna and Bihar and make theatre a meaningful part of the city’s cultural life.
  • Create a Sustainable Theatre Ecosystem:  Develop festivals, partnerships, professional opportunities and platforms that help theatre artists and productions grow sustainably.

Dastak In Media

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Director’s Corner

शिवेन्द्र सिन्हा राष्ट्रीय रंग महोत्सव : तीन महीने लगातार चलता रंग-उत्सव

पटना के रंगमंचीय परिदृश्य में शिवेन्द्र सिन्हा राष्ट्रीय रंग महोत्सव 2026 एक महत्वपूर्ण और विशिष्ट पहल के रूप में सामने

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