A-Chik A-Song

 

3rd March 2010 at Kamani Auditorium, 7:30pm

 

Producer: DAPON, the mirror and  P.D.C West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Director: Pabitra Rabha
Language: Garo
Duration: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

 

The Play A–Chik A-Song is based on the socio- political history of the Garo Hills during 1870-1872 with special reference to the glorious first and the last arms struggle of the Garos against the British. It starts with the traditional, cultural and social activities, rituals and beliefs of the remote hilly Garo village. But when the British gradually entered into the interiors of the Garo Village, about fifty Garo independent villagers revolted against the British Policy of Invasion. The hero of the episode was Toggan Nigminza, a glamorous youth of the entire region who organized, and trained a group of Garo youths. They attacked the British camp and fought for freedom of Garo Hills. Toggan sacrificed his life for the cause of the freedom of his motherland. The Garos still remember him with great honor as the First National Hero and the martyr of the Garos.

 

DIRECTOR’S NOTE:
A feeling of doubt and hesitation encircled me when I was going to direct the first Garo play in a village Purakhashia in West Garo Hills in Meghalaya.  Garo is a tribe; magic, evil belief etc. have been prevalent among the Garos since long past. There are areas in Garo Hills where medical science and modern facility has yet to step in. Garo people are still adorned with their old traditions and culture. Inspite of all this, I did cope with the thoughts, language, traditions and customs of the Garos during my short stay in that remote Garo Village.
In the drama in question, ‘Thogan’- the Hero of the Garo Community is the principal character which represents the heroism and bravery of the Garos. Various characters in the play reveal love, the evil beliefs, proverbs, religious scriptures and incantations (tantra-mantras), fun making and social customs and consideration that are prevalent in the Garo Society. And it shows how Thogan is still hero-worshipped by the tribe; especially by the youth and children.

 

On Stage:
Lindias D. Sanagm
Richard M. Marak
Wanjing Sangma
Sendrick Marak
Zems Warth Sangma
Pollendro Ch Momin
Sintu Berth Marakss
Supam Marak
Mahabil Marak
Rangbe Ch. Marak
Prescline N. Marak
Tengsang Sangma
Bidama  Marak
Pringchi Marak
Ringchi ch. Momin
Avinash M. Marak
Baithy D. Sangma
Pankaj Deka
Jeston Shira
Stilltone Marak
Dingcik M. Marak
Puli T. Sangma
Ratan Sarma
Sengrita ch Marak

 

Off Stage:
Script Writer: Rajeeb Kr. Phukan
Translated into Garo: Tarun Saikia
Assistance in Music: Wanna Sangma, Rimsang Sangma, Mising Marak & Walsim Marak
Assistance in Costume: Tarun Saikia & Kenedy R. Marak
Assistance in Make up: Jyotima Rabha
Property Making: Binoy Das (Katap) & Ratan Sarma (Putu)
Stage Manager: Richard & Lindias
Concept, Design: Pabitra Rabha

 

NOMINEES
1. Best Ensemble
2. Best Stage Design: PABITRA RABHA
3. Best Choreography: PABITRA RABHA
4. Best Costume Design: TARUN SAIKIA

 

Pabitra Rabha
Pabitra Rabha has directed & choreographed several plays in different languages. His specialty is in the field of Lighting, Settings, Mask making, Make-up & Costumes. He has worked as a technical in-charge of local, national and international theatre festivals. As a musician he has played in Rhythm of forest, with international musicians several times specially the folk instrument of North-East. He has choreographed and designed many folk festivals.  His most valuable creation is The Rhythm of Bardoisila concentrating on all the traditional folk performances of North-East India.


Tarun Saikia 
 Started as a teacher since 1984 till date, he is presently the Principal of the only Higher Secondary School of his locality. He has been the key person in organizing various socio- cultural activities, awareness programs, exhibitions amongst the rural backward tribal people. As the President of Porakhasia Development Committee, he successfully organized a Production Oriented Theatre Workshop in 2005.

 


The 2011 Festival

© MAHINDRA EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE AWARDS

Website by Webcontxt