INJAMAMUL AHMED
Introduction
The Guwahati Theatre Festival is an annual theatre festival held in Guwahati, Assam, India. Organized by G Plus, an English-language weekly tabloid newspaper in Guwahati, the festival serves as a platform for theatre groups to showcase their productions to a new and diverse audience in the city and the North East region of India. Over the years, it has gained prominence as one of the leading cultural festivals in the region, attracting renowned actors, directors, and playwrights from across India and beyond.
History and Inception
The Guwahati Theatre Festival was initiated in 2016 by G Plus with the vision of reviving and promoting theatre culture in Assam. Since its inception, the festival has brought critically acclaimed plays and some of the most talented artists from the world of theatre to the stage in Guwahati. It has played a significant role in introducing the city’s audience to diverse theatrical performances, ranging from classic Shakespearean adaptations to contemporary experimental plays.
Guwahati Theatre Festival Editions
2016: The Inaugural Year
The first-ever Guwahati Theatre Festival was held on 23 September 2016. The event featured renowned names from Indian theatre and cinema, including Kalki Koechlin, Saurabh Shukla, Neil Bhoopalam, Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Jim Sarbh, Sadiya Siddiqui, Shernaz Patel, Dolly Thakore, and Achint Kaur.
Notable Performances
- Hamlet – The Clown Prince – Directed by Rajat Kapoor, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic was performed in a unique clowning style and received widespread appreciation.
- The Vagina Monologues – A globally acclaimed play written by Eve Ensler, known for its powerful narratives on women’s experiences.
- Other performances included The Living Room, 2 to Tango 3 to Jive, The Truth of Womanhood, and One on One.
2017: A Bigger and Grander Edition
The second edition of the festival commenced on 1 November 2017 and saw the participation of several renowned Bollywood and theatre artists such as Rajat Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, and Arundhati Nag.
Highlighted Plays
- Mother Courage and Her Children – Directed by Quasar Padamsee, this play is a powerful anti-war drama originally written by Bertolt Brecht.
- Broken Images – A psychological thriller by Alyque Padamsee starring Shabana Azmi.
- The Gentlemen’s Club aka Tape – Directed by Sheena Khalid, Vikram Phukan, Puja Sarup, and Rachel D’souza.
- Shakespearean Adaptations:
- What’s Done is Done
- Piya Behrupia (Twelfth Night) – A humorous Hindi adaptation of Shakespeare’s play by Mumbai-based theatre groups.
Workshops and Collaborations
Apart from performances, the Guwahati Theatre Festival also organizes workshops for school and college students in collaboration with the Brahmaputra Foundation. These workshops, supported by the North Eastern Council, Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region, focus on different aspects of theatre, including acting, scriptwriting, stagecraft, and direction.
2018: Expanding Horizons
The third edition of the Guwahati Theatre Festival was held from 16 to 18 November 2018. The festival continued its tradition of bringing exceptional plays and performances to the stage, featuring both well-known and emerging artists.
Major Plays and Performances
- Laughter Therapy – A hilarious theatrical production featuring Bollywood actors Mona Singh, Siddharth Merchant, Danesh Khambata, Danesh Irani, and Sajeel Parakh.
- Detective 9-2-11 – A Hindi escape drama directed by Atul Kumar, featuring Neil Bhoopalam and Sukant Goyel.
- Foreign Body – A compelling solo show by Imogen Butler-Cole from London, exploring themes of hope, healing, and forgiveness in the aftermath of sexual assault.
- Stories in a Song – Directed by Sunil Shanbag, this production presented a unique blend of storytelling and music.
Workshops and Theatre Training
The festival also emphasized theatre education by organizing workshops conducted by industry experts. The 2018 edition featured sessions led by:
- Namit Das – Renowned theatre and film actor.
- Atul Kumar Khamakar – Veteran theatre personality.
These workshops provided valuable hands-on experience to over 60 school students, nurturing young talent in the field of performing arts.
Significance of the Guwahati Theatre Festival
The Guwahati Theatre Festival has established itself as a major cultural event, playing a crucial role in reviving theatre in Assam and the North East. The festival serves as a bridge between local theatre artists and national/international performers, allowing an exchange of ideas, techniques, and theatrical expressions.
Key Contributions
- Promotion of Theatre Arts – Encouraging the local audience to engage with high-quality theatrical performances.
- Platform for Emerging Talent – Providing opportunities for young and aspiring theatre artists to interact with seasoned professionals.
- Cultural Exchange – Bringing diverse theatre traditions and experimental plays to the region.
- Educational Initiatives – Organizing workshops that help develop the next generation of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners.
Future Prospects and Growth
As the Guwahati Theatre Festival continues to grow, its potential to become an internationally recognized theatre festival is immense. Future editions could focus on:
- Incorporating digital theatre performances to reach a broader audience.
- Expanding collaborations with international theatre groups.
- Introducing multilingual performances to celebrate the linguistic diversity of India and beyond.
- Enhancing theatre education initiatives by including more intensive training programs.
Conclusion
The Guwahati Theatre Festival is more than just an event; it is a movement to rekindle the love for theatre in the hearts of people in Assam and the North East. By consistently bringing high-caliber productions and promoting theatre education, the festival has carved out a unique space in India’s cultural landscape. With its continued growth and evolving programming, the festival promises to inspire and entertain theatre enthusiasts for years to come.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the Guwahati Theatre Festival?
The Guwahati Theatre Festival is an annual event in Guwahati, Assam, showcasing world-class performances from both local and national theatre groups. It aims to provide quality entertainment and establish itself as a prestigious landmark in the cultural landscape of the region.
Q. When is the festival usually held?
The festival typically takes place over three days. For instance, the 2024 edition was held from September 27 to 29 at the Pragjyoti ITA Centre in Machkhowa, Guwahati.
Q. Where is the festival venue?
The primary venue for the festival is the Pragjyoti ITA Cultural Complex located in Machkhowa, Guwahati.
Q. How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
Tickets are typically available for purchase through the festival’s official website and authorized partners. Early bird tickets are often released ahead of the event.
Q. What types of plays are showcased at the festival?
The festival features a diverse range of plays, including comedies, dramas, and experimental performances. Past editions have included productions like “Taking Sides,” “Vodka & No Tonic,” and “Rusty Screws.
Neha Baruah
INJAMAMUL AHMED
