GUWAHATI, Feb 2 � Apart from giving a distinct identity to theatre in the State, this mission to blend the past and the present and infuse the traditional elements in theatre has made the young generation take interest in their culture.
A young theatre artiste of repute, Sukracharya Rabha while talking to The Assam Tribune said that plays based on everyday life and rituals and presented with the traditional performing technique, have been accepted by the theatre lovers and more particularly by the young audience.
�When life is reflected without any distortion and false colours in theatre, people appreciate it. We have got very good response to our plays and the young generation has shown keen interest in knowing more about our plays,� said Rabha, adding that he has made a sincere effort to represent the State and the society in his plays and it was encouraging that the people have welcomed such an initiative.
Rabha also said that such plays contribute towards strengthening the base of society and unite people. �We took the traditional elements, but recreated these in keeping with the changing times. That is one major reason why such plays have gained popularity,� said Rabha.
�I was born in the countryside but was not able to see the beauty and resources in abundance. When I learned about the experimentations in theatre going around my region, I felt it was important to discover my own identity and that�s how I embarked on this mission to give a distinct identity to theatre,� recalled Rabha acknowledging that his society helped in creating his own style.
Another young theatre artiste, Ashim Kumar Nath said that such plays have catered to audiences both in rural and urban Assam.
�Awareness about the cultural treasure trove of this land has grown since such plays began to be staged. It is particularly heartening that the young people have taken interest in such plays,� said Nath. It needs to be mentioned here that Nath has been involved in a project to take theatre to the grassroots. He has been staging his plays in the countryside on unconventional platforms and has succeeded in creating an ambience for theatre viewing in rural Assam.
