BHUBANESWAR: To rejuvenate the dying folk theatre forms of Orissa, city-based cultural institution Art Vision, founded by Padmashri Ileana Citaristi, has embarked upon an ambitious plan to popularise these rural cultural practices among city people. "Although folk theatre forms enjoyed mass appeal for centuries, with rapid urbanisation and a change of taste, these traditions are being increasingly marginalised. While it has been devoid of community patronage, the government has hardly done anything relevant for their survival," feels Ileana, the Italian by birth and Odissi dancer who has made Orissa her home.

Interactive session

So far Art Vision has presented performance of Rasa Leela, Radha Prem Leela, Bharat Leela and Geetinatya by inviting traditional troupes form different parts of Orissa. The performances are being held at the institute's mini auditorium on the west bank of Bindusagar tank.

Each performance is followed by an interactive session with the audience who comprise personalities from the field of culture, says Ms. Ileana. "A dialogue is important as it helps the audience to know the roots of the forms from practitioners and appreciate it. In the process, it also helps the performers to know the audience response," she points out.

Unique drama

Presentation of Mogul Tamasha, directed by Badal Sikdar from Bhadrak, is slated for Sunday evening at the Art Vision mini auditorium. It is jointly organised by Art Vision and the Bhubaneswar chapter of INTACH, she says.

Mogul Tamasha is a unique form of folk drama performed even today in and around Bhadrak but it is exclusive to the region, she says.

"It is based on a story written by Bhansiballav Goswami in the late 18th century when Orissa was under the Maratha domination. It incorporates songs, dances and dialogues in Oriya, Urdu, Hindi and Bengali. It is farcical in nature and is being used as a vehicle of satire of the corrupt Muslim administration of the period. It has elements of Hindu-Muslim harmony," says Ms. Ileana.

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