10th Annual Inter-State Brajanath Sharma Memorial Drama Festival inaugurated

The 10th Annual Inter-State Brajanath Sharma Memorial Drama Festival, being held at Rabindra Bhawan from 10th to 16th September 2016.

The Festival Lamp was lit by Brajanath Sharma’s daughter Ms Nirmala Mishra last evening. The Festival was inaugurated by well-known music director-composer-singer-actor Mr Bibhuranjan Choudhury. The souvenir Kohinoor was released by famous lyricist-singer Mr Loknath Goswami.

The function was followed by the first night's play. ‘Saanko’ from Gauhati University, Guwahati presented “MAHAJAGYA”, written by Dr Sitanath Lahkar and directed by Mr Debashis Saikia. Written on the backdrop of the then prevailing situation before demolition of Babri Masjid in the country, the play talked about the fragile communal fabric of the society. It beautifully showcased how the ruling class, irrespective of religious orientations, exploits peoples’ sentiment for their benefits by disturbing peace and unity in the society.

TODAY'S PLAY (11th September – 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm) – ‘Samahar’ will perform the maiden show of “CHARBAK”, written and directed by Dr Sitanath Lahkar. The play is based on the character Charbak, who denied existence of soul and its so-called union with the ‘supreme being’ after death. The royal drama beautifully presents arguments of both sides, believing and not believing the existence of soul. It also raises the burning issue of caste and untouchability that still prevail in our society.

TOMORROW'S PLAY (12th September – 6:15 pm) – New Delhi-based JNU’s ‘Jumbish Arts’ will perform "GAU’RAKH DHANDHA”, written and directed by Mr Satish Mukhtalif and based on Mr Harishankar Parsai’s satires. On the backdrop of ongoing attacks on democratic values and secularism, either in the name of protection of ‘Indian culture’ or ‘nationalism’ or ‘cow protection’ in our country, the play attempts to build a dialogue and create space for social harmony.