National, state issues to find place at Assam theatre fest

Communalism, cow vigilantism, casteism, superstition and Assam's perennial flood problems are some of the issues to be highlighted by various theatre groups at an upcoming inter-state drama festival here.
The seven-day long 10th Annual Inter-State Brajanath Sharma Memorial Drama Festival, to be held during September 10-16, will have eight shows of seven plays by six different groups.
It is being organised by Guwahati-based renowned amateur theatre group Samahar Natya Gosthee.
As a special focus, this time two student groups -- 'Jumbish Arts' from Jawaharlal Nehru University and 'Saanko' from Gauhati University -- have been invited with their plays, Drama Festival Committee's President Lalit Sarma told a press conference here.

"During the last nine years, this festival has become a very important and landmark cultural event of the state. Now, it is a big responsibility on our shoulder to make it a grand success every year," he added.
'Saanko' will present 'Mahajagya', written by eminent theatre personality Sitanath Lahkar and directed by Debashis Saikia, Sarma said.

Written on the backdrop of the then prevailing situation before demolition of the Babri Masjid in the country, the play talks about the fragile communal fabric of the society and showcases how the ruling class, irrespective of religious orientations, exploits peoples' sentiment for their benefits by disturbing peace and unity in the society.

The play attempts to build a dialogue on various social
issues and create space for social harmony.
Another important play will be by the organiser 'Samahar', which will perform the maiden show of 'Charbak', written and directed by Sitanath Lahkar.
The play is based on the character of Charbak, who denied existence of soul and its so-called assimilation with the 'supreme being' after death.
"The royal drama beautifully presents arguments of both sides, believing and not believing the existence of soul.
It also raises the burning issue of caste and untouchability that still prevail in our society," Sarma said.
'Pinak' from Barpeta will present its production 'Junj', which on the world's largest river island Majuli's worsening condition every year due to severe flood, showcasing how common people survive the floods.

This famous play on flood problem is written by Sitanath Lahkar and directed by Utpal Kumar Das.
Organiser 'Samahar' will perform another play 'Jugasandhi', written and directed by Sitanath Lahkar.
This play is based on a traditional folk dance, Ojapali, which is fading into oblivion nowadays.
Written by Rajeeb Lochan Bora and directed by Gunamoni Boruah, Tinsukia's Kakopathar-based 'Rongduli Sanskritik Kendra' will enact 'Dhulia Oja'.
The musical play, telling the story of an 'Oja' of Bihu Dhol and peoples' rising apathy towards this art form, raises the pertinent question of survivability of such folk art practices.