https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Mobile_theatre_in_AssamMobile theatre in Assam - Revision history2026-09-07T20:15:34ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mobile_theatre_in_Assam&diff=418776&oldid=prevAjay Kumar: Created a new article2023-08-25T20:01:38Z<p>Created a new article</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Form of theatre in India}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}<br />
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'''Mobile Theatre''' ({{Lang-as|ভ্ৰাম্যমাণ থিয়েটাৰ|label=[[Assamese language|As]]}}), is a form of popular theatre exclusive to [[Assam]]. Unlike [[Street play]]s, Mobile Theatre groups travel from place to place with their cast, singers, musicians, dancers and crew, often carrying tents and seating with them. <br />
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{{Culture of Assam}}<br />
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== History ==<br />
The Kohinoor Opera was the first mobile theatre group of Assam, founded by [[Brajanath Sarma|Natyacharya Brajanath Sarma]], in 1930. Kohinoor Opera performed dramas, attracting thousands of spectators, from [[Dhubri]] to [[Sadiya]]. The first Mobile Theatre play was staged on 2 October 1963, in [[Pathsala]].{{Clarify|reason=who was first?|date=March 2019}} [[Achyut Lahkar]] is known as the father of Mobile Theatre'''''.''''' [[Achyut Lahkar|Lahkar]]'s group, the Pathsala-based Nataraj Cine Theatre, was popular during the early years. His productions included: Bhogjora, Tikendrajit, Black Money, Beula. [[Achyut Lahkar|Lahkar]] took Mobile Theatres to [[Bihar]], [[West Bengal]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. They collaborated with artists from multiple states. An industry with an annual turnover of around 100&nbsp;million, the Mobile Theatre of Assam provide a source of entertainment that has progressively upgraded its stature.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/screen-salute-to-mobile-theatre-pioneer-veteran-ratna-ojha-s-documentary-chronicles-life-and-times-of-achyut-lahkar/cid/828463|title=Screen salute to mobile theatre pioneer – Veteran Ratna Ojha?s documenta Achyut Lahkar}}</ref><br />
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== Form ==<br />
The Mobile Theatre of Assam has things in common with traditional act plays from all over India, however Mobile Theatre is more advanced technically and evolved from [[mythological]] stories, to contemporary themes. The self-contained nature of Mobile Theatre allows performances in small villages without their own performance spaces, which was particularly important in villages without electricity for television. Troupes offer plays including adaptations of popular [[Assamese literature|Assamese]] novels, Greek Classics and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood blockbusters]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/Mobile-theatre-is-successful-because-we-stage-plays-in-villages/articleshow/5883862.cms?from=mdr|title=Mobile theatre is successful because we stage plays in villages}}</ref> There are over 30 mobile theatre groups in Assam, most of them based in [[Pathsala]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/19880215-mobile-theatre-strikes-deep-roots-in-assam-796893-1988-02-15|title=Mobile theatre strikes deep roots in Assam|author=RAMESH MENON |date=February 15, 1988 |magazine=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref> In mid-September, after two months of rehearsals, the groups begin their seven-month tour in Assam.<ref name=":0" /><br />
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== Special effects ==<br />
In 2008 [[Kohinoor Theatre]] staged ''Abuj Dora, Achin Kanya,'' the tale of a dwarf and his two friends of normal size. [[Jatin Bora]] played three roles. In one he was transformed in a dwarf. From lighting effects to specially tailored clothes and help from technicians, the producers were able to preserve the illusion. A local version of [[Superman]] was put on by Ashirbad Theatre. The protagonist flew around the stage with powers provided by his costume. In Deboraj Theatre's play, the role of a [[Dracula in popular culture|Dracula]] inspired [[Vampire]] appeared on stage. The group brought to life the blood sucking scenes in the play with technical help.{{cn|date=May 2023}}<br />
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== Dance drama ==<br />
Some theatre groups precede the main play with a short ''Nritya Natika'' or dance drama (নৃত্য-নাটিকা) which is mostly dance based. Here dialogues are recited from background and the artists are supposed to mime it accordingly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/cover/and-the-show-goes-on/article8198227.ece|title=And the show goes on|last=Agarwala|first=Tora|website=@businessline|language=en|access-date=2019-10-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Bhramyoman Theatreror Itihash|last=Kalita|first=Kishor Kumar|publisher=Sadou Asom Theatre Prajojak Sanstha|year=2011|pages=17}}</ref> <br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Achyut Lahkar]] <br />
* [[Kohinoor Theatre]] <br />
* [[Brindabon Theatre]]<br />
* [[Theatre Surjya]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
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* https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/assams-fascinating-theatrical-traditions/article24928101.ece<br />
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[[Category:Theatre in India]]<br />
[[Category:Culture of Assam]]<br />
[[Category:Theatre by culture]]</div>Ajay Kumar