When Abhivyaktee was working on ‘Abhijat’ – a theatre festival in 2013, a novel idea was taking shape in the founder Saish Deshpande’s mind. While the festival that showcased plays produced in Natyashastra style as prescribed by Sage Bharat, was underway, an informal discussion with veteran folklorist and folk research-scholar Vinayak Khedekar gave birth to the concept of having a similar festival but by involving Goan folk theatre forms. It was then that Abhivyaktee began to think in this direction and approached the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for a grant. Now, three years and numerous experiments later, the group is all set to present ‘Lokrang’ – a festival of plays based on folk-theatre forms of Goa. The festival will be held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali on June 2 and 3, 2016.
Deshpande says, “The city bred youth of today sees little and knows almost nothing of the rich theatre tradition of our region. ‘Lokrang’ was thus conceived and the project involved research and production of plays based on Goan folk theatre styles. Abhivyaktee has accomplished this task to an extent by undertaking three different productions of especially commissioned scripts incorporating the folk theatre styles – Kaalo, Perni Jagor and Ranmale.”
It has been nothing short of a dream for the team of about 100 artistes to seek and learn the possibilities of Goa’s folk theatre forms. The project has helped to educate and train urban theatre artistes into knowing these forms while undergoing the production process. What’s interesting is that the team has incorporated the elements of these folk styles into new scripts while presenting it on the proscenium-styled stage. The primary feature of the Proscenium-styled stage is a large opening known as the proscenium arch through which the audience views the performance. The audience directly faces the stage, which is typically raised several feet above front row audience level, and views only one side of the scene.
Deshpande adds, “Even while working on ‘Abhijat’, the motive was to present the plays on a proscenium- styled stage where one has to follow the norms that come with it and alter some important aspects like set design, sound, lights, etc. All the three plays are utilising the benefits that the modern performing space offers while following most of the conventions of their forms.”
Working on some of these ancient forms of folk theatre required guidance from the experts and Vinayak Khedkar shared his knowledge about the core elements with the team. A lot of other artistes pitched in as well, like Shrikant Gaude who works closely with Perni Jagor artistes from Canacona; Ulhas Velingkar from Mardol who is a trusted source on Kaalo, and others. Assistance poured in from all directions, from artistes who practically ‘live’ these forms of folk theatre. Team Abhivyaktee grabbed whatever they could with both hands and are now all set to present the fruits of their labour in front of Goan audiences.
On a parting note, Deshpande says, “The idea is to revive the taste of modern day spectators and bring them closer to our folk theatre. It is a step towards exploring the greatness of folk styles and to expose the participating performers and the audience alike to the strengths of our theatre tradition. I hope in the years to come, we have newer theatre production houses incorporating these dying art forms.”
‘Lokrang’ will be held on July 2 and 3, 2016, in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhli at the auditorium. The festival will feature three productions especially designed for the festival in three folk theatre styles of Goa – Kaalo, Pernni Jagor and Rannmale.
