The prolonged political unrest in the
Darjeeling hills has not only affected the tea, tourism and educational
sectors, but has also had its effects on the art and theatre groups.
Amid such a backdrop, a Kurseong-based
theatre group named Natraj Natya Niketan is looking for an ideal moment
to rejuvenate and through plays that have become famous across the
hills. The theatre association is planning to captivate audiences after a
long gap and revive the love for theatre among the masses.
NNNK was establishment on July 31, 1983
and has brought a new dimension to the field of theatre. In the 1980s
and 1990s it showcased various plays in the hills and in many Nepali
majority places. However, it has been more than a decade since it
relegated itself to the background given the political unrest.
Among the troupe’s plays, ‘Om Swaha’,
‘Pratibha Royko Sahar’ and Awaz Khosinay Parivesh Bhitra are some of
the most famous dramas that have taken the public by storm.
When asked by reporters about the
present status of the institution, NNNK director Raju Himanshu said
despite several projects in the pipeline, they have been unable to
showcase their plays. The theatrical group is awaiting the ideal moment
to make a comeback, but in the constantly changing political scenario in
the Darjeeling hills, a free and conducive atmosphere is still to come
by.
After the signing of the GTA accord in
2011, the Niketan had offered a short play titled ‘Makhundo Harayeko
Man’ after a decade’s gap on the occasion of its 29th foundation day.
However, other plays had to be shelved, although things to be finally
moving towards a favourable atmosphere to showcase more plays.(EOIC)