Annual Drama Festival Dives into Social Issues

The 15th Brajanath Sharma Memorial Inter-State Drama Festival will begin Thursday, organized by Samahar Natya Gosthee. Notable plays by Sitanath Lahkar and Tarun Talukdar address critical social issues like rape, corruption, and drug use. The festival commemorates Brajanath Sharma, a pioneer in modern Assamese theatre.

The annual Brajanath Sharma Memorial Inter-State Drama Festival is set to begin on Thursday, marking its 15th edition. Organized by the amateur theatre group Samahar Natya Gosthee, the four-day event will feature a selection of plays addressing significant social issues.

Among the must-see performances is Sitanath Lahkar's latest play 'Nyay,' which deals with the harrowing journey of a rape victim seeking justice. Lahkar's other works, 'PIL-99' and 'Drohi,' highlight societal challenges like corruption in drinking water distribution and exploitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another highlight is Tarun Talukdar's 'Imaan Dhuniya Prithibikhon,' which focuses on drug addiction among youth and its societal impacts. The festival honors Brajanath Sharma, a key figure in Assamese theatre, remembered for modernizing the art form and introducing women to the stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)