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Assam: Mobile Theatres facing uncertain future due to COVID-19 pandemic
The Mobile Theatres in Assam have been severely hit in the prevailing situation following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty looms large over the normal functioning of various sectors including this most-efficient mass media format. Last year the long duration of lockdown has adversely affected normal life with the daily wage earners being the worst sufferers. But this year also same condition.
Losing a day’s performance costs a financial loss of around Rs 1 lakh for a theatre group. Each of the more than 60 such theatre groups across the State give employment to 100 to 150 people. These include artistes, builders of pandals (temporary structure for performance) and electricians as well as other technicians who look after the light and sound arrangements.
In the first week of August every year, these theatre groups set out on a nine-month journey, reaching out to people in every nook and corner of the state.
Kiran Lahkar, wife of late Achyut Lahkar, told Times of Northeast, “The workers of mobile theatre are facing a tough time. The industry as a whole is staring at massive losses due to coronavirus outbreak of COVID-19. However, this potent means of mass media and entertainment must saved at this critical juncture. The government should look into the matter.”
Veteran theatre personality octogenarian Krishna Roy — who has around 60 years of experience in this field besides running independently the popular ‘Abahan Theatre’ for about 42 years — expressed unhappiness over the situation. He expressed hope that the problem will be solved; and in this context,
Roy said, Earlier we have paid minimum amount of Rs 9000 to the workers.But from last year they have suffered a huge financial crises for their. “The role of the State government must be of prime importance. In the present situation, people should strictly follow the COVID -19 protocols laid down by the government to cope up with the situation.
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Noted theatre personality and producer of ‘Kohinoor Theatre’, “Tapan Lahkar has also expressed concern over the situation.
Tapan said, “Corona has ruined all Mobile Theatre industry in 2020-2021, More then 150 people involved in a theatre group. They have suffered a lots of financial crises specially. We have to follow COVID protocol, but govt should look into the matter.”
The mobile theatre groups of Assam are known as ‘Bhraymaman Natyadals’ in Assamese). Achyut Lahkar was the father of the Bhryamyman or Mobile theatre and gave birth to mobile theatre in Assam in the 1960s.
He founded the popular Natraj Theatre at Pathsala in 1963 which performed across Assam and in other states for nearly 40 years.The troupes are made up of a collective of actors, singers, dancers, directors, action artists, makeup artists, workers, and the producer. These mobile theatre groups perform at villages, towns and cities within the State. The theatre groups offer a popular medium of entertainment; and are an integral part of the Assamese culture.
Edited by- Sasanka Talukdar
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NORTHEAST
Woman cuts off man’s genitals for refusing to marry her; Hospitalized
In a shocking incident, A woman allegedly chopped off the genitals of his brother-in-law with whom she allegedly had an illicit relationship in Lower Assam’s Bajali district.
As per reports, the incident took place on September 23 when the woman attacked her brother-in-law after the latter refused her marriage proposal.
The injured man was rushed to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment in Guwahati.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Saiful Islam.
According to locals, Islam was involved in a secret affair with his sister-in law.
The two were in a love affair for the last seven years, reportedly taking advantage of times when her husband was away.
In a violent turn of events, she allegedly attacked him and severed his genitals. Police quickly intervened, arresting the woman and initiating an investigation into the incident. They also recovered the weapon used in the attack from the scene.
Featured
Assam’s Mobile Theatre journey since 1960s
The mobile theatre of Assam, also known as Bhramyaman Theatre, is a unique and vibrant form of theatre that originated in the state of Assam, India where Achyut Lakhar gave birth to Mobile theatre in Pathsala town in the 1960s. Every year the theatre groups travel from place to place with their cast, crew, musicians, dancers and everything required to set the stage, to perform in villages, towns, and cities across Assam.
During the theatre season Pathsala town turned festivity where thousands of people gathered in one place to see plays of ‘Awahan Theatre’, ‘Kohinoor Theatre’, ‘Rajmukut Theatre’, ‘Rajlakhsmi Theatre’. It’s like a festival for the people. The plays often focus on social issues, family drama, mythology, and folklore, as well as contemporary topics like politics and corruption which the audience loves it.
The Theatre group continues to attract audiences on live stage without the use of special effects like green or blue screens, or 3D or 5D technology. During the show many actors injured by accident on live stage.
Earlier, plays like ‘Titanic’ attracted audience without a single drop of water on stage, and ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Ramayana’ also attracted audience.
The groups give employment scope to more than 5000 people. There are more than 30 mobile theatres in Assam, where more than 100 to 150 people work in every group.
Tapan Lahkar, producer of Kohinoor Theatre, reflected on the theatre’s legacy, saying, “Kohinoor Theatre has proudly completed 49 years. Every artist in our group puts in immense effort. In the past, we managed to make our play ‘Titanic’ a success without a single drop of water or any special effects—it was a significant challenge for my father. Similarly, our productions of ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Mahabharat,’ and ‘Ramayan’ captivated audiences long before they were ever seen on television.”
Prastuti Parashar, producer of Awahan Theatre, emphasized the cultural importance of mobile theatre, stating, “Mobile theatre has played a crucial role in promoting Assamese culture, language, and identity while providing both entertainment and social commentary to audiences across the state. Awahan Theatre is like family to me, and we are committed to giving our best to entertain our audience. We tackle stories about family and political issues, always with a focus on Assamese culture. We also need the continued support of the people.”
Dhruba Talukdar, producer of Rajlakshmi Theatre, shared his passion for the art, saying, “I hail from Pathsala town, the birthplace of mobile theatre, founded by Achyut Lahkar. Inspired by the plays I watched as a child, I always dreamed of opening my own theatre. I aim to spread positive messages through our productions, addressing issues like global warming, social concerns, politics, and corruption. I take risks to fulfill my dreams, and I don’t believe that OTT platforms can ever replace the unique experience of mobile theatre.”
Manas Kalita, producer of Rajmukut Theatre, highlighted the challenges faced by performers, noting, “Performing on a live stage is not easy. Many actors have been injured during shows, yet they continue to perform with dedication. Every actor and staff member works incredibly hard in mobile theatre.”
Finally, Giridhor Choudhury, a senior citizen from Bajali, expressed his deep connection to the tradition, saying, “Assam’s mobile theatre groups are an integral part of our culture and should live on forever. It’s an emotion for the Assamese people. Since 1963, mobile theatre has provided employment opportunities to many in Assam. Today, there are more than 30 mobile theatres in the state, each employing 100 to 150 people. In total, 4,000 to 5,000 individuals are engaged in this vibrant tradition.”
Assam
Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributs forms of MMNMA scheme at Bhattadev University and NH collage
After Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ scheme in Assam to prevent child marriage, Assam’s cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributed forms of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Asoni scheme at Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi.
The scheme to provide monetary benefits to girl students every month in order to put an end to child marriages. This scheme will be awarded to around 10 lakh girls.This scheme is a monthly financial assistance scheme to fight against child marriage. Girls who are studying in HS, graduation and post-graduation level will get this government’s financial support.
During the programme Ranjeet Kumar Dass said, “Heartfelt thanks Assam CM for the CM’s Nijut Moina Scheme, a game-changer for Assam’s meritorious students.”
“There are many families in my constituency that can pay their daughter only Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 a month for the expenses of studying in the university. But now at least such economically backward meritorious students do not have to leave their studies.
“Today we distributed forms in Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi in presence of Bajali district administration, students and staffs.
Meanwhile, the students of the university expressed happiness after the scheme launched by the Assam government.
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