GUWAHATI, March 2 � The recurring conflicts between different ethnic groups and distortion of history by a section to promote their own interests were some of the major factors behind the creation of Tejat Pratibimba, a play that has been staged at different locations to urge all sections of the society to know their past and respect it.
Presented by Sarcha, an amateur theatre group, Tejat Pratibimba will embark on another journey from March 29 to cover the areas in upper Assam. Scripted and directed by young theatre activist Ashim Kumar Nath, Tejat Pratibimba takes a look at the political upheavals in the State and the identity movement of numerous communities that has also paved the way for secessionism and mistrust.
�What is presently happening in the State needs some impartial observation. In the name of identity, a section is trying to distort our rich past by fighting over prominent historical figures. Through our play we are urging the people to read their history and try to understand it better,� said Nath pointing out that taking advantage of the identity movement, some quarters are fomenting communal trouble.
It needs to be mentioned here that this 45 minute play has been staged in Goalpara, Dhemaji and Sipajhar so far. The forthcoming journey of Sarcha will touch the upper Assam areas that have presence of different communities.
Like in the earlier plays of Sarcha, Tejat Pratibimba also has some folk elements including Ujapali. One of the defining traits of the plays of Sarcha is simplicity and use of folk performing arts. Without use of too many props and makeup, the plays of Sarcha attempt to relate the message to the society.
�Artistes too feel the need to voice their opinion on issues determining the future of the State. But they cannot block roads or resort to other forms of protests to register their concern or angst. For us, the only medium is drama and we are using this medium to send the positive messages to the society,� said Nath.
