Aug. 30: The hub of culture in the city is all set to don the mantle of social crusader. Its mission? Art with a message.

Beginning next month, the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra will turn the spotlight on a variety of social issues.

First in line, is Upolobdhir Anugrahak, an Assamese play to be staged under the aegis of city-based drama school Seagull, followed by a recital by Manipuri dance exponent Debolina, on September 16. The idea behind the choice of programmes, said Kalakshetra secretary Gautam Sarma, is to celebrate woman power.

“We have been organising plays and dance recitals regularly, as part of our efforts to give a platform to the best of talents,” Sarma said. “Now we have decided to voice socially relevant issues through our proscenium this season.”

The hourlong play, adapted from a Manikuntala Bhattacharyya story, deals with a woman’s struggle to find her feet in the time of political and communal upheaval. Antara Choudhury, a familiar face on the stage and the small screen will play the protagonist in the play, a soliloquy, under the direction of Seagull principal, Bhagirathi. The only voice in the play, set in the backdrop of the Babri Masjid demolition, is that of the central character — a Hindu woman, who is in love with a Muslim man.

“As part of our mission to showcase meaningful drama, we have requested some of the finest Assamese dramatists to pen plays on the burning issues of our time. We are happy to say that we have some of the finest scripts on our hands,” Sarma said.

Lucknow-based Debolina will be coming down to the city for the recital. “Otherwise a busy performer, Debolina immediately agreed to perform at the Kalakshetra when we expressed our intention of highlighting women’s issues through dance,” said Sarma.

The Kalakshetra has also planned a special art exhibition on social issues like women’s empowerment, child labour, religious unity and the right to education and food.

“Over the years, the Kalakshetra has evolved as an institute which serves the cause of art and culture of the entire region. Now we want to take up social causes through art and we hope artistes of the region will help us in our endeavour,” the secretary said.

Thespian Rabijita Gogoi welcomed the institute’s initiative. “Art has no relevance if it does not touch society. It is a laudable effort on the part of the Kalakshetra to think on the lines of showcasing social issues through art and entertainment,” he said.