LUCKNOW, March 29 -- After undergoing a renovation, Bharatendu Natya Akademi (BNA) is set to open in a whole new avatar next month. Confirming it, Rati Shankar Tripathi, chairman, BNA, said chief minister Yogi Adityanath is likely inaugurate the renovated building on April 3. The Rs 22 crore renovation work began in 2024. The institute now has the Padma Shri Raj Bisara Thrust Auditorium, the BM Shah Auditorium, modern classrooms and a modular canteen. "With the inauguration will begin the BNA's golden jubilee celebrations which could not start in July last year due to the unavailability of the auditoriums. The celebrations will include an 8-day drama festival in which 15 plays invited from across the country will be staged," Tripathi said. The drama festival will begin with the play 'Purnaavatar' by Kshitij Theatre Group. The festival will also feature the staging of two other plays: 'Ab Na Banegi Dehri' and 'Nirman Se Nirvan Tak: Buddha'. Additionally, veteran theatre artiste Anil Rastogi's play 'Daddy' will also be staged. The festival will conclude with a performance by Malini Awasthi, he added. "The auditoriums have been renovated with a state-of-the-art sound and visual system, a cyclorama screen in both auditoriums allowing the viewing of 4K quality videos, and echo-proof wood flooring, said Lavkush Verma, resident engineer of the executing agency. "Smart lighting has been installed in the entire building allowing warm white and natural light, along with special warm and white floodlights. The building also has the latest model patch panels installed for lighting to add to the visual appeal....