Badungduppa Kalakendra set to celebrate 15th edition of ‘Under the Sal Tree’ from Dec 15

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 13, 2024

Badungduppa Kalakendra, an avant-garde theatre institution in Rampur, Goalpara district of Assam, is marking its silver jubilee with the 15th edition of its celebrated theatre festival, Under the Sal Tree. Scheduled from December 15 to December 17, the festival continues its legacy of blending art with nature while staying true to its eco-conscious roots.

Founded in 1998 by the visionary Late Sukracharjya Rabha, Badungduppa Kalakendra has set a global benchmark for sustainable theatre. The festival takes place amidst a tranquil Sal tree plantation and operates with a zero-carbon footprint ethos. Highlights include bamboo and straw seating, no use of microphones or artificial lighting, and natural acoustics.

This year’s festival theme focuses on retrospection and shared memories, celebrating the institution’s 25-year journey.

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of plays in multiple languages, showcasing the richness of India’s theatrical traditions.

The event will open on December 15 with an inauguration by renowned painter Rabiram Brahma, followed by Dadan Raja (Rabha), directed by Dhananjay Rabha and scripted by Madan Rabha. In the afternoon, Monglee (Bodo), directed by Pabitra Rabha and performed by Dapon the Mirror, will be staged.

On December 16, the Tamil play Kindhan Charithiram, directed by Rajiv Krishnan of Perch Theatre, Chennai, will be staged, followed by Kisan Raj (Hindi), directed by Dr. Gaurav Das of Anuchintan Art Centre, Kolkata.

The final day, December 17, will begin with a Rabha folk performance and conclude with an open session reflecting on the 25-year journey of Badungduppa Kalakendra. Each evening’s performances will be followed by discussions around a bonfire, fostering artistic exchange among audiences, artists, and scholars.

Each evening will feature post-performance discussions around a bonfire, fostering a dialogue between artists, scholars, and audiences.

Under Sukracharjya Rabha’s pioneering vision, Badungduppa Kalakendra introduced the concept of Hygiene Theatre, emphasizing the integration of sustainability into art. Over the years, the festival has hosted theatre groups from South Korea, Brazil, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, solidifying its place on the international stage.

As part of the celebrations, Badungduppa Prakashan will release several publications documenting the institution’s extraordinary journey. The festival is supported by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, along with sponsorships from IOCL and Bongaigaon Refinery.

Festival organizers, including President Cheena Rabha, Secretary Lakhikanta Rabha, and Managing Director Madan Rabha, have invited theatre enthusiasts to honor the legacy of Late Sukracharjya Rabha, who passed away in 2018. “This 25-year journey is a testament to the enduring power of art and the invaluable support of our patrons,” said Madan Rabha.

The festival promises an enriching experience, celebrating art’s ability to connect, preserve, and innovate while remaining deeply rooted in sustainability.