Eleven traditional children folk groups from North East will enthrall during NSD’s Bal Sangam 2013
The sweet melody of flute, dug dug sound of the Dugdugi, the distinct music of Dotara, nothing compares to the sweet memories of childhood mela. A juggler, clowns are nowhere to be found in today’s time, more so in an urban setting. But a week-long mela-like treat for children will be brought by Sanskaar Rang Toli of National School of Drama during the Bal Sangam 2013, starting from November 14. It will bring the unique and traditional performing arts here.
This year, NSD’s Sanskar Rang Toli — Theatre in Education Co which was established in 1989 celebrates its silver jubilee year and Bal Sangam 2013 marks the beginning of the year-long celebration. Commencing on the Children’s Day, the week-long festival at the NSD campus, promises to be a traditional, cultural and mela like delight. From folk dance, martial arts, acrobats, street performances like juggling, magic shows, puppet shows to many more experiences, Bal Sangam will present vivid, distinct arts that are on the verge of extinction.
Ratan Thiyam, NSD Chairperson shared, “North East region has very rich traditional and cultural heritage. Various artforms are so rare and exquisite, it has become the need of the hour that they be brought back into the limelight and be given due attention they deserve.”
Bal Sangam will feature unexplored talent and many un-witnessed traditional performing arts by children from the Northeast. It took six months of hardwork to spot 11 traditional folk performers. The artists are not trained; rather they have inherited the art from their families who still practise these. Groups which would participate are Abhiyan from Assam, A’chick Theatre from Meghalaya, Bashel Brothers Creations from Arunachal Pradesh, Kohinoor langa from Rajasthan, Blooming Cultural Akademy from Manipur, Dapon The Mirror from Assam, Gugura Bodol from Tripura, Kadamtali Ojapali Dal from Assam, Neuhof Cultural Club from Mizoram, Padma Adzer Choeling from Sikkim and TiwaBhasha-Sanskriti Charcha Somittee from Assam.
Sanskaar Rang Toli will also be holding special performances in the morning session with various schools. Students will also have discussions with artists.