Guwahati Theatre Group Tackles Folk Traditions and Social Reform

Guwahati: Guwahati theatre group Abhigyanm staged two plays at the Sri Sri Madhavdev International Auditorium on November 6. The performances addressed the fading legacy of Assam folk artists and the battle against brutal social traditions. Both plays aim to spark dialogue on cultural identity and human rights.

Kuladeep Talukdar wrote and directed Kamra Seou. This play explores the bleak future for Nalbariya Dholiya performers in Assam. It tracks a dholiya artist who desperately hopes his child avoids his own profession. The production highlights the struggle of preserving inherited art forms in a shifting society. Ranhang Choudhury mentored the project. The cast included Ajanta Hazarika, Chinmoy Kalita, Kuladeep Talukdar, Barasha Das, and Torali Basumatary. Raktim Mahanta, Suman Deka, Gitraj Kalita, Dibya Jyoti Hazarika, and Nilanjyoti Thakuria played friends. Dholiya roles went to Raktim Deka, Hridoy Barman, Jyoti Prakash, and Hridoy Deka.

Nokiyampo follows a different path. It examines a harsh marriage custom once practiced in Laju village, Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh. Based on a story by Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, the play documents how a community finally abolished the practice eighty years ago. It highlights a vital lesson: "Nokiyampo raises questions about gender discrimination, entrenched social prejudices and the ability of communities to challenge practices that violate human dignity."

Ranhang Choudhury and Kuladeep Talukdar directed the second piece. Sunami Das played Kamthok, with Tutumoni Kalita, Rupam Saikia, Prabal Goswami, and Suraj Kalita filling key roles. The ensemble included Bhaswati Bora, Ripam Bharadwaj, Ajay Mech, Barasha Das, Torali Basumatary, Hridoy Deka, and Chandan Kumar Nath. Kuladeep Talukdar and Dhruv Karjee played village men, while Kristina Chetia represented the village women.

Theatre figures like Abinash Sharma, Naren Patgiri, Nayan Prasad, Himangshu Prasad Das, Rabijita Gogoi, Anup Hazarika, and Pakiza Begum attended. Dimpal Kumar Das handled lighting design. The productions relied on dedicated crews for music, sets, makeup, and costumes. Bidyut Bikash Choudhury served as assistant production manager for the second play.