Samahar’s ‘Nyay’ strikes a chord on World Theatre Day, exposes harsh realities of justice

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 30, 2025

On World Theatre Day, Samahar Natya Gosthee delivered a powerful theatrical experience with its latest production, ‘Nyay’ (Justice), staged at the Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, on March 27.

Written and directed by the veteran dramatist Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, the play left a profound impact on audiences with its gripping portrayal of social injustices.

The event opened with an inaugural address by the distinguished scholar and former Gauhati University professor, Dr. Abani Kumar Bhagawati. Appreciating the transformative role of theatre, he said, “Theatre is not just entertainment; it is a force for change. Dr. Lahkar and Samahar Natya Gosthee have consistently used this medium to highlight pressing societal issues.”

Samahar Natya Gosthee president, Lalit Chandra Sarma, underscored the significance of World Theatre Day, tracing its origins to socially conscious theatre activists in Paris in 1961. He emphasized that “Nyay was chosen for this occasion because it speaks directly to the issues plaguing our society today.”

At the heart of Nyay lies a gut-wrenching narrative that mirrors real-life tragedies. The play follows two families shattered by violence—Haider Ali, whose son Hamid, an engineer, falls victim to a brutal lynching, and Anal Adhikari, whose daughter Emon, a Delhi student, survives rape but faces relentless stigma. Their parallel struggles for justice against an indifferent system form the emotional crux of the story.

Dr. Lahkar, alongside Rupam Chetia, Dr. Smita Lahkar, Reena Teron, and Binita Kalita, delivered soul-stirring performances, capturing the agony of survivors and their families. The production was further elevated by the dedicated work of Lalit Chandra Sharma, Taheruddin Ahmed, Namita Lahkar, Dhrubajyoti Sharma, Aguli Devi, Rupa Dutta, Anupama Das, and Kumud Talukdar. With a minimalist yet evocative stage design, immersive soundscapes, and striking lighting effects, Nyay deeply resonated with audiences, sparking intense discussions post-performance.

The driving force behind Nyay, Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, is a seasoned playwright, director, and performer with over six decades in theatre. Despite holding a Ph.D. in Mathematics, his artistic pursuits have made him a prominent voice for communal harmony and justice. His extensive portfolio includes stage plays, radio dramas, street theatre, and TV serials, all centered on social reform.

Founded in 1984, Samahar Natya Gosthee has carved a niche as one of Assam’s most influential theatre groups. With over 500 productions to its credit, the group has performed at major festivals, including the Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Delhi, the Octave Festival in Goa, and the Muktangan Nat Festival in Kolkata.

Beyond the stage, the group is committed to social activism, organizing the annual Brajnath Sharma Memorial Inter-State Drama Festival and spearheading initiatives for flood relief and pandemic aid. Their theatre continues to serve as a mirror to society, exposing injustices and igniting conversations that demand action.

The overwhelming response to Nyay reaffirms the power of theatre as a medium for advocacy and awareness. In a time when issues of mob violence and crimes against women dominate headlines, plays like Nyay serve as urgent reminders of the struggles for justice that many still endure.