Badungduppa Kalakendra organizes the popular open-air theater in Assam. And the institution paid their homages to the founder, noted theater personality Sukracharjya Rabha on his 5th death anniversary on June 8. He was the founder of the unique open-air theater festival- ‘Under the Sal Tree.’ He was also a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Thereafter they organized the traditional Rabha ritual of paying respect to the dead, called Farkanti. It was followed by the recitation of religious songs and prayers called the Sangkirtan. As a mark of respect, the members also performed a drama entitled ‘Madaiya Musi’. HS Shivaprakash originally wrote the play and Sukracharjya Rabha adapted and directed it.
The Managing Director of the Badungduppa Kalakendra, Madan Rabha was present for the occasion. He mentioned that the Badungduppa family has been observing this day since the founder passed away in 2018. He added, “It is a day of immense grief for us all. It is also a day of strong determination, promise and introspection for us. This day keeps us rooted to our cause, and reminds us to carry forward the legacy built by Sukracharjya Rabha.” He passed away at the age of 41 after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
Under the Sal Tree was started with the concept of ‘Hygiene Theatre’ in 2008. This theater festival was started in the midst of nature to spread the message of the importance of coexistence with nature. The noted treater persona was able to not only provide a platform for local groups. The festival also provided an opportunity for the local people to enjoy foreign theater groups. Over the years, groups from Brazil, Poland, South Korea and many more countries performed in this venue.
