Guwahati, April 1, 2025: Marking World Theatre Day, Samahar Natya Gosthee staged its compelling play, “NYAY” (Justice), on March 27, 2025, at the Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati. Written and directed by the esteemed Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, the performance drew a full house, underscoring the play’s relevance and impact.
The event commenced with an inaugural address by Chief Guest, Professor (Dr.) Abani Kumar Bhagawati, a renowned scholar, writer and former professor of Gauhati University. He emphasized the profound role of theatre as a catalyst for social change, stating, “Theatre is a powerful medium to awaken the masses. Dr. Sitanath Lahkar and Samahar Natya Gosthee have done phenomenal work in striving to uplift society through this beautiful art form.”
Lalit Chandra Sarma, President of Samahar Natya Gosthee, highlighted the significance of World Theatre Day, noting its origins in 1961 Paris, where socially conscious theatre activists convened. “This day is particularly relevant considering the current state of our country,” Sarma stated. “Samahar Natya Gosthee chose to celebrate it with the presentation of ‘NYAY,’ our latest production, addressing critical social issues.”
“NYAY”: A Reflection of Societal Struggles
“NYAY” tackles the pressing issues of lynching and rape, portraying the harrowing ordeal of a rape victim and the societal stigma she endures. The play powerfully illustrates the arduous struggle for justice faced by victims of such crimes.
The narrative centers on Haider Ali, whose engineer son Hamid is a victim of lynching, and Anal Adhikari, whose daughter Emon, a student in Delhi, is a rape survivor. Both fathers grapple with humiliation and pain, navigating a system that often favors the powerful. Their shared demand for justice against the perpetrators forms the play’s emotional core.
The production featured outstanding performances by Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, Rupam Chetia, Dr. Smita Lahkar, Reena Teron, and Binita Kalita. Their compelling portrayals were enhanced by the immersive background work of Lalit Chandra Sharma, Taheruddin Ahmed, Namita Lahkar, Dhrubajyoti Sharma, Aguli Devi, Rupa Dutta, Anupama Das, and Kumud Talukdar. The state-of-the-art audio technology and evocative lighting design, set against a simple stage, captivated the audience, evoking deep emotional responses.
Dr. Sitanath Lahkar: A Veteran of Progressive Theatre
Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, the play’s writer and director, is a multifaceted artist with a Ph.D. in Mathematics and a long-standing career in theatre. With 60 years of playwriting experience, his body of work spans stage dramas, radio plays, one-act plays, street theatre, teleplays, and TV serials. He is a prominent advocate for brotherhood, harmony, and fraternity, using theatre to address critical social challenges.
SAMAHAR Natya Gosthee: A Legacy of Socially Conscious Theatre
Founded on February 11, 1984, in Guwahati, Samahar Natya Gosthee has established itself as a leading theatre group in the region. Over 41 years, the group has garnered acclaim for its productions, including performances at the 5th Bharat Rang Festival in New Delhi, the Octave Festival in Goa, and the Muktangan Nat Festival in Kolkata.
With over 500 plays to its credit, Samahar Natya Gosthee focuses on social issues such as terrorism, superstition, corruption, communalism, floods, and women’s empowerment. The group also organizes the annual Brajnath Sharma Memorial Inter-State Drama Festival and actively engages in social welfare activities, including providing aid to flood victims and delivering essential supplies during the pandemic.
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