December 11, 2025; Rampur, Goalpara: Badungduppa Kalakendra, the renowned theatre institution that celebrated its Silver Jubilee last year, has announced a special one-day edition of its iconic ‘Under the Sal Tree’ theatre festival on December 15. Known for its uninterrupted and innovative theatre practice over more than two and a half decades, Badungduppa Kalakendra continues to uphold the artistic legacy of its founder, the late Sukracharjya Rabha.
Founded in Rampur, Goalpara, Badungduppa Kalakendra has earned national and international acclaim for its unique physical theatre style – characterised by minimal dialogue and expressive body language. Over the years, its experimental work, including projects such as Retelling Legends Through Theatre, Performing Identity, Live Theatre, and Ritual Theatre, has attracted scholars, researchers, and theatre lovers from across the world to this rural pocket of Assam. The group has also carried its distinctive theatre language to various festivals and platforms in India and abroad.
One of Badungduppa Kalakendra’s biggest contributions to the state’s cultural landscape is its annual Under the Sal Tree theatre festival, where performances are staged in the midst of nature without artificial lighting, microphones, or stages. The festival, now entering its 16th edition, usually draws thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas.
This year, the organisers have decided to hold the festival as a single-day event. Announcing the decision, managing director Madan Rabha said: “Before we begin a new phase with fresh concepts and experiments, we are taking a brief pause. This year’s edition will be modest, but from next year onwards we are committed to returning with greater energy.”
The one-day festival on December 15 will feature three productions:
- Ranjumuk – A Badungduppa Kalakendra production written by Madan Rabha and directed by Dhananjay Rabha (Duration: 1 hour). The Rabha language play will be performed after the inauguration of the festival by prominent writer and senior journalist Dileep Chandan.
- Edin Teu Ahibo – By Mirdan, Nagaon. Directed by Anshuman Saikia. The play is an Assamese adaptation of the celebrated absurdist classic ‘Waiting for Godot’ (Duration: 50 minutes) by Hillol Kumar Pathok.
- Derh Inch Upar – Performed/directed by Anup Hazarika, produced by BA (A Cultural Organisation) (Duration: 40 minutes). Scheduled for 5:30 pm.
Concluding his remarks, managing director Madan Rabha sought the blessings and continued support of audiences and well-wishers. “Badungduppa belongs entirely to the people. It has crossed the milestone of a silver jubilee because of the unwavering goodwill of our supporters. We hope that this goodwill will continue to carry us forward in the years to come,” he said.
