Prayagraj,

13 May (HS): Under the banner of Gyandeep Seva Sansthan, a symposium on “Folk

Theatre Styles: Tradition and Modernity” was organized at the auditorium of

K.P. Convent, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India,

New Delhi on Wednesday. Several experts in folk theatre shared their thoughts.

The

keynote speaker, Uday Chand Pardesi, explained forms like Doha, Chaubola, Alha,

and Bahretabeel through song, illustrating how traditional styles were used in

Nautanki and how they are being adapted in modern times, as well as how they

might evolve in the future. He emphasized that folk theatre reflects the truth

of life, and in the art of Nautanki, the realities of life are vividly

portrayed.

Senior

theatre artist Dr. Rama Montrose remarked that folk theatre has always been the

cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and will remain so. She explained that in

earlier times, Nautanki revolved around mythological and spiritual themes.

During the freedom struggle, Nautanki became a medium to spread messages among

the masses—through dialogues and songs, artists inspired people against British

rule and ignited the flame of independence. At that time, men even played

female roles since performances lasted all night. In contrast, modern Nautanki

usually lasts an hour or so, staged in halls with modern costumes, sets, and

lighting.

Dr.

Rajkumar Srivastava added that folk theatre is a cultural identity that needs

preservation to safeguard its original form. He stressed that new experiments

should continue with time, as the art form is rapidly changing. Senior theatre

artist Pradeep Rao observed that ongoing social, economic, political, and

cultural changes also influence folk theatre, making media an increasingly

important tool for its survival and growth. Dr. Aditya Singh highlighted that

innovation in themes and craft is essential to keep audiences engaged.

Chairperson

Ranjan Pandey expressed concern over the deteriorating state of folk theatre,

urging preservation of both tradition and modernity so that future generations

are not deprived of this art form. The principal of K.P. Convent also shared

her views. The institution honored Uday Chand Pardesi, Dr. Rama Montrose, and

Dr. Ranjan Pandey with shawls and mementos. The symposium was attended by

senior theatre artists Rakesh Verma, Surendra Singh, Afzal Khan, Ashok

Srivastava, Sonia Singh (Poonam), Meena Arora, senior journalist Jasmine Lal

from Mirzapur, Alimuddin, Gulrez, Anupam Saxena, and others. The event was

conducted by Dhirendra Nath Srivastava. Finally, the institution’s secretary

and theatre artist Kiran expressed gratitude to all distinguished speakers,

guests, and media representatives present at the seminar.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi