‘Under the Sal Tree’ : Assamese tribe sort out to maintain tradition theatre

Guwahati: An Assamese tribe’s determination to preserve ancient traditions in the lap of Mother Nature has given birth to the ‘Sal Tree Festival’, which is held every year in Rampur village of Assam’s Goalpara district. Every December, for 3-4 days, all roads lead to a small temporary stage in a forest clearing where an open-air theater run by the Badungduppa Theater Group, a group of talented local artists from India and abroad, is staged. I gather to showcase my theatrical skills. Who are highly valued for their incredible talent and keen eye for detail.

What makes this community-run festival unique is that it is held in close proximity to nature, with no artificial lights or electronic devices to amplify sound. Instead, the stage is built inside a year forest of Rampur. What makes this festival come alive is the sheer dedication and creativity of artists who use this unique opportunity to express their artistic personality.

The captivating nature of these performances was on full display at the 13th edition of the festival, which began on 15 December 2022 with the presentation of ‘Rishi Jolongka’, a play based on a folk hero from the Rabha tribe, who Directed by playwright Dhananjay Rabha.

The director of this play honed his craft under festival founder Sukracharya Rabha. A blend of comedy, tragedy and drama, sprinkled in for good measure with a few musical performances, the native talent mesmerized the audience with emotion, expression and perfect tone. Only the music comes from improvised instruments.

The roots of this festival held under the Sal trees in Rampur have to be traced back to 2008, when theater artist Sukracharya Rabha tried to create an alternative festival of his own, inspired by the alternative theater of his mentor Kanhailal. of Although Sukracharjea died of a heart attack in 2018, the legacy is being carried on by his widow Chenna Rabha, assisted by Rabhas, who lives on the edge of the forest.

“A play cannot be conceived in a day. It takes impeccable planning and dedication. Every day we practice so that we can perfect our performance and act better,” says Cheema, who Rishi played a pivotal role in Jolongka’, the actors tell EastMojo, giving an insight into the creative process.

“This year, we have an amazing line-up that includes artistes from all corners of India and a group from Sri Lanka,” Madan Rabha, managing director of the play, told EastMojo. “Every day, we have 10-15 young people working here to make sure things are in order.” He takes us on a tour of the Budongduppa Kala Kendra, a site of great importance located less than 1 km up the road. A theater site that hosts artists during their stay and where theater professionals come together to discuss the arts during the festival.

At the ‘Kala Makarza’, the culture of the Rabha tribe is highlighted through stalls run by community members selling books and another sells locally made clothing, especially for women.

Playwright Anasuya Subhasinghe, 45, whose play ‘My Sweet Rotten Inheritance’ opened on the second day of the festival, tells East Mojo that the event takes away the worries back home.
“The past few years have been tough for Sri Lanka. The COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting lockdown, and the economic crisis have taken a toll on our country. And I think it’s a great opportunity to find something unique.”

Subhasinghe says she was drawn to the festival after a friend shared pictures of the open-air amphitheater online.

“For years, images of an open-air stage have been circulating among theater practitioners in Sri Lanka. We were all in awe of the stage and it’s truly a dream for us to perform outdoors,” she explains when asked. What brought them to the festival. “With this festival, we are looking back into our past and the way we used to perform without electricity and the stage acoustics are impeccable,” she adds.

Pratiksha Khusnis, 25, from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, whose play ‘Alor Gaan’ was performed on the first day of this year’s festival, says she has always wondered about it ever since she learned about it. Why this fair was not organized in the traditional way. As a student at Pune University.

“I researched it and discovered that they’re hosting it under the tree because your voice resonates here. There are no microphones, sound amplifiers, or lights. Here, you hear yourself. giving the audience. It’s an interactive experience. There are no borders, no fourth wall,” she tells us, adding that being selected for the festival is “a dream come true” for her and her group. To be fulfilled”.

In previous editions, theater groups from South Korea, Brazil, Poland and neighboring Bangladesh also participated and presented their plays in the festival.

Despite the international attention, however, the festival remains true to its roots, ensuring it retains its appeal among locals from nearby villages, many of whom travel by foot on their bicycles. “We are very happy because such a big festival is coming so close to our home. That’s why we come to watch the plays. We love the fact that so many people from outside visit our venues during this time,” he said. A villager Janani Rabha said.

Slowly but surely, the unique ‘Under the Sal Tree’ festival has transformed into one of the few best sanctuaries in Assam, where people can experience arts and creativity while feeling a strong connection with Mother. You can talk and express your love with Nature.