Ram Bijoy- Ankia Naat was performed for the art and culture lovers of the city at Mavalankar Hall on 24 May. This is an endeavor by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Government of Assam in association with Raginee-a socio-cultural organization of Guwahati to showcase the rich and glorious cultural legacy of the state Assam.
Women performing an Ankia Naat which is considered to be a religious performance is self-explanatory of women empowerment and liberal culture of Assam. Till 1949 these Ankia Naataks were performed only by men. Thus the Capital witnessed this special treat that had Assam’s best known actors gracing the stage.
Ram Bijoy was designed and directed by Madhurima Choudhury. Ankia Naat Bhaona is a traditional art form of the 15th century - A style of drama conceived by Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568) that displayed spiritual music encompassing a combination of dance and dramaturgy.
Ustad Amzad Ali Khan and his wife Subhalakshmi, Actor Adil Hussain, Hemoprova Saikia were also present along with other dignitaries.
Ram Bijoy - Ankia Naat performed by a group of women who are top actresses of Assam including Moloya Goswami, Nishita Goswami, Madhurima Chaudhuri, Rasarani Chetana Das and Barsha Rani Bishaya. The play was performed in Brajavali - concoction of Assamese, Hindi, Oriya and Maithili.
Ankia Naataks were performed only by men, even the female characters were enacted by male actors till 1949. Women performing an Ankia Naat which is considered to be a religious performance is self-explanatory of women empowerment and liberal culture of Assam.
‘I wanted to turn the tables. These are the times of women revolution, this women driven performance aids in empowering us’, said Madhurima Choudhury, designer and director of the play who essayed the role of Lord Ram.
‘After my marriage I got the opportunity to explore the music of Sankardev. There is a need to recognize his contributions across the country.’ Choudhury added.