It is true that the cultural movement of the Leftist groups is passing through a lean phase, especially in comparison to the mid-seventies or even early-eighties. But at the same time, one can never doubt the sincerity and dedication of these cultural fora.
The Guwahati chapter of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) is one such group that has always chosen socially-relevant themes for its plays and musical performances.
The association’s latest venture, Suramaar Gongaachiloni, staged at the Laksminath Barua Sadan recently, was a tribute to Communist cultural icon Hemanga Biswas.
Written by director-playwright Naren Patgiri, the play is a commentary on the contemporary socio-political scene, with a nostalgic tribute to Biswas’ contribution to the development of mutual trust and understanding between the Bengalis and the Assamese at the height of conflict between the two communities.
Breaking away from the conventional theatrical form, the play tries out an experimental format and succeeds in achieving the desired effect.
The first scene opens with a painter busy at his canvas. In another corner, a musician concentrates on a harmonium, while a group of three youngsters prepare for a drama rehearsal.
All of them, immersed in their respective art forms, recall Biswas’ role in wiping out communal and tribal conflict and promoting harmony.
Making clever use of the conversational format, the playwright even manages to criticise the vulgarity of the so-called “popular” culture without sounding pedantic.
Besides the strong and effortless prose, the other significant components of the play were music and choreography. Seven of Biswas’ songs were rendered by Dilip Sarma, Bibhu Ranjan Choudhury, Ghana Deka, Binayak Choudhury. Ratna Choudhury has done a commendable job with the choreography of the song Shankhachiler Gaan.
Though the play does not open much scope for conventional acting, artistes Koushik Borbora, Kabita Patgiri, Gautam K. Das, Sankar Jyoti Rajkhowa, Manisha Kalita, Dhan Boro, Bibhu Ranjan Choudhury and Kiran Shankar Roy have done justice to their roles.
