'Poorva-Uttara Rangotsava' stages culture of NE

All three plays highlight the significance of women power

The three-day Poorva-Uttara Rangotsava at Bhoomigeetha, Rangayana, was launched here, on Sunday. The fest has not just brought the culture, practices and history of the North-East to Mysuru, but also a message on the significance of women, with all the three plays revolving around women.

The theatre festival is organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, and Rangayana, Mysuru.

‘Kalo Sunakhari’, a non-verbal Nepalese play, staged during the inaugural function, was a love triangle, set against the ‘Brokpa tribe’ of Arunachal Pradesh, a community owning yak herds, where a woman is socially allowed to marry more than one man.
The narrative is adapted in Sikkim of today. It was directed by Abhilash Pillai and enacted by the artistes of the NSD repertory of Sikkim.

On December 22, ‘Joymoti, an Assamese play will be staged, followed by ‘Ava’, a Manipuri play. ‘Joymoti’ is about an iron lady of Assam, who dared to brave odds to change the course of ‘Ahom Empire’. Directed by Anup Hazharika, it is staged by the artistes of ‘BA’ theatre, Guwahati.

‘Ava’ is about the marriage alliance of Manipuri with Ava (Myanmar) king that leads to hatred among both the countries. It is staged by the students of Shumang Leela Company, Manipur, at Vanaranga.

Enthusiasm

In his inaugural address, Sarod exponent Pandit Rajiv Taranath said: “It is only through the medium of art, integrity in diversity remains. Theatre lovers should not just watch the play, but also receive them with equal enthusiasm and feel proud”.
Registrar, University of Mysore, C Basavaraju said, the varsity has plans to involve Rangayana in the forthcoming centenary year celebration of the University of Mysore, scheduled to start next year.