In News:

“Under the Sal Tree” Theatre Festival, held annually in Rampur, Assam, promotes eco-friendly and sustainable practices in theatre while showcasing rich cultural diversity.

Overview:

• Location: Rampur village, Goalpara district, Assam
• Organizer: Badungduppa Kalakendra, a social and cultural organization
• Founded: 1998 by Sukracharjya Rabha
• Festival Focus: Eco-friendly theatre practices, cultural diversity, and sustainability

Key Features

• Unique Setting: Open-air festival under Sal trees, with no artificial lighting or electric sound systems.
• Sustainability:
  • No use of plastic.
  • Carbon-neutral, with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, straw, and cane.
  • Performances in natural daylight, avoiding electric lights.
• International Participation: Theatre groups from countries like Poland, South Korea, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, North Korea, Bolivia, and Holland have performed.
• Cultural Celebration: Highlights indigenous art forms, languages, and traditions, e.g., Rabha and Bodo plays.

Festival Activities

• Performances:
  • Includes plays like “Dadan Raja” (Rabha language play), “Kindhan Charithiram” (Tamil), and “Kisan Raj” (Hindi).
  • Focus on themes such as societal change and resilience of farmers.
• Workshops & Community Projects: For performing artists, promoting artistic innovation and social impact.
• Anniversary Celebrations:
  • 25th anniversary celebrated with special events and book releases, e.g., “Resonance: Echoing the Spirit of Badungduppa” and “Sukracharjya Rabha on the Back Stage”.

Impact & Legacy

• Theatre Movement: Celebrates art amidst nature, breaking geographical barriers despite the remote location.
• Founder’s Vision: Sukracharjya Rabha believed in the synergy between art and nature, aiming to bring social change through theatre.
• Local Involvement:
  • 20 resident artists contribute to the festival’s success.
  • Festival has become a major cultural attraction in Assam, drawing thousands of theatre enthusiasts.