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Paramparih Natya Samaroh

Festival of Traditional Theatres of India

11 - 24 May 2003

SIKKIM . TRIPURA . MIZORAM

Traditional theatre forms of India, though varied linguistlically, are characterized by features which they share in common. If they happen to display a wide variety of presentational styles, they also posses important narrative and contextual similarities, a high level of stylization. Ritualized performances are common. Epics, the Puranas, the regional folk-tales and ballads, form a common thread. All the varied theatrical traditions of India seem to have an inbuilt mechanism of acceptance of change, of modification and dynamism, and a united artistic vision. This has resulted in continuity despite changes through the centuries.

The present festival is part of a series of festivals of traditional theatres being planned and presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi in teh north - eastern states of India, including Sikkim. In the first phase (28th March to 11th April 2003), twelve traditional theatres from outside the north-east were presented at Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland), Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh). A number of theatrical performances of the north-east were also presented on the occasion.

In events of the second phase, which are currently schduled, several other forms of traditional theatre from different states outside the north-east will be presented. These include well-known theatres like Yakshagana of Karnataka, Bhavai of Gujarat, Mach of Madhya Pradesh, Dhulia Bhaona of Assam, Tiatr of Goa, and Swang of Haryana. Together with performances, there will be lecture-demonstrations and interaction sessions with local theatre workers and scholars. As in the first phase, a number of north-eastern theatres will be represented in the programme. En route ot Gangtok, where the festival begins, the visiting groups will also present performances in New Jalpaiguri.

We do hope that the festival will have a significant impact both in terms of national integration through the arts and development of theatre in the region. We are grateful for having received the collaboration of all the State Governments of the region. The Directorate of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism, Tripura, the Directorate of Art & Culture, Mizoram and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Sikkim - which are hosting the events in the second phase - are to be thanked for the support they have provided.

The Paramparik Natya Samaroh is presented on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is being celebrated through various programmes all country. We hope the audience in the north-eastern states of India would be pleased with our present effort.

JAYANT KASTUAR

Secretary,

Sangeet Natak Akademi

Programme

11 -13 May 2003

Community Hall, GANGTOK

18 - 20 May 2003

Rabindra Centenary Building, AGARTALA

22 - 24 May 2003

Vanapa Hall, AIZAWL

Participating Groups

Yakshagana (Karnataka) Yakshagana Kendra, Udupi

Bhavai (Gujarat)

Sarvad Bhavai Mandal, Rajkot

Mach (Madhya Pradesh)

Malva Lok Natya Mach Mandal, Ujjain

Dhulia Bhaona (Assam)

Kaihati Dhulia Bhaona Dal, Nalbari

Tiatr (Goa)

Youth Association, Vasco, Goa

Sang (Haryana)

Pt. Lakhmi Chand Sang Party, Sonipat

and

traditional forms from North-east region.

Also at New Jalpaiguri

at Railway Institute Auditorium

from 9 - 11 May 2003

In association with

Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam

Directorate of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism, Tripura

Directorate of Art & Culture, Mizoram Department of Cultural Affairs, Sikkim