Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: Badungduppa Kalakendra held a day-long event on Monday to commemorate the eighth death anniversary of its founder, the influential theatre practitioner Sukracharjya Rabha. Held in Rampur, the program featured traditional rituals, a memorial lecture, and a performance of the play Rakher Bahi, which was directed by Rabha during his lifetime.
Goalpara West MLA Prabhat Kumar Rabha inaugurated the event, while retired English professor Dr. Manabendra Sarma delivered a memorial lecture. Attendees reflected on Rabha's commitment to an alternative theatre movement that prioritized community engagement and simplicity over expensive infrastructure.
A core element of his philosophy was the concept of jontrohinata, or the ability to produce compelling drama without relying on elaborate sound systems or technology. This approach defined his work, most notably at the internationally recognized Under the Sal Tree festival, where actors perform on earthen platforms surrounded by nature.
Members of the Kalakendra noted that Rabha's work remains a vital influence on modern artists. During the memorial, participants recalled his impact, stating that he demonstrated that powerful theatre could emerge from minimal resources and authentic human expression. A recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, Rabha is remembered for his dedication to keeping performance rooted in society and the natural world.
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