GUWAHATI, March 18 � The traditional performing art Suknani Ojapali is about to get an impetus from the young and upcoming artistes in the State. To popularize this art amongst the young people, artiste Ashim Kumar Nath has been working relentlessly over the years and of late he has been experimenting on the use of the dramatic element in the traditional art for the modern- day dramas.
�Suknani Ojapali is an interesting subject. First I studied the genesis and growth of Ojapali from books and then from the Ojapali artistes,� said Nath, adding that the young generation is showing interest in the traditional art forms of the State and that was a good sign.
It needs to be mentioned here that Nath has also received a junior fellowship from the Government of India for research on the dramatic element in Suknani Ojapali. For the last six months he has been doing research on this performing art and undertaking many activities to popularize it.
�There was no use of proscenium stage in our cultural tradition. The performing arts were presented in a separate performing space in the rural areas. My aim is to revive that tradition,� said Nath, mentioning that he has been creating separate performing space in rural Assam by using the easily available materials like bamboo, hay, jute, etc. Apart from providing the theatre lovers in rural Assam an opportunity to enjoy a play in the backdrop of a familiar ambience, this separate performing space is also cheap.
�I have presented Ojapali in such a separate performing space as an attempt to revive this traditional art,� mentioned Nath, pointing out that more such presentations are needed to popularize this performing art.
Nath presently is conducting a workshop on Ojapali to involve more young people in this performing art. What is interesting about this workshop is that young people from different religion and communities are taking part in this workshop.
