A Vibrant Celebration of Art, Theater, and Cultural Exchange
Aabaha Art and Theater Festival 2024 was held in Sugar Hill from August 9 to 11. Over three days, it captivated audiences with a dynamic blend of theatrical performances, cultural exchanges, and artistic showcases. This year’s festival celebrated the diversity of art and theater, featuring seven remarkable plays by talented groups from across the United States.
[Left] Aabaha Art & Theater Festival was inaugurated with traditional offerings.
Saturday, August 10, 2024, marked the official inauguration of the festival, beginning with an opening ceremony that honored the rich traditions of India. Distinguished guests included Mayor Brandon Hembree of Sugar Hill and Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, Consul of India, along with Dr. Raktim Sen, Sutapa Sen, and Debasis Majumdar. Aabaha members welcomed the dignitaries with the traditional blowing of conches, followed by the offering of flowers on water.
In his address, Aabaha founder Kallol Nandi shared the organization’s vision: “Aabaha’s vision is to make this platform a place for cultural exchange, not only for the Indian immigrant communities but also for other communities and the mainstream. Aabaha will bring one American theater and one non-English, non-Indian play to this platform.” Mayor Hembree expressed his gratitude to Aabaha for fostering cultural diversity in Sugar Hill and acknowledged the festival’s impact on the community.
The festival’s Saturday lineup featured the prestigious Aabaha Samman Award ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to theater. Dr. Raktim Sen was honored as the inaugural recipient for his extraordinary dedication to the art form.
The day continued with three exceptional plays. “Rangamati” (“Wretched Land”) by Aabaha, Atlanta, was a bilingual Hindi and Bengali play written and directed by Debasis Majumdar, a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee. This mesmerizing performance set the stage with a powerful narrative that left the audience in awe. “Kouto” (“The Box”) by Atlanta Theater Workshop, Suwanee, GA, was a Bengali play that showcased the depth and versatility of Indian drama, captivating the audience with its intense storytelling. “Harappa House” by Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Theater Group, Atlanta, was a Hindi play that resonated deeply with the audience, blending emotional depth with strong cultural narratives.
[Left] The plays brought important social issues to light.
After each play, a Q&A session was held, allowing the audience to engage with the storylines, artistic techniques, backstories, and other relevant topics with the talents (both on and off stage), directors, and producers.
Sunday, August 11, 2024, was equally engaging, beginning with a group discussion on how community theaters can address social issues and challenges, Aabaha was attended by theater groups from across the country. and how to make this art form relevant to community lives. The discussion, held at the Art and Exhibition Gallery, was so engaging that Aabaha has pledged to extend this conversation in future forums on a larger scale.
The Sunday lineup included four more remarkable plays. “Ekti (Aw) Shamanyo Ghotona” by ENAD, Boston, MA, was a Bengali play that presented a compelling narrative, highlighting social challenges through powerful storytelling. “Tritiyo Noyon” (“Third Eye”) by Chicago Natyogoshthi, Chicago, IL, was a thought-provoking Bengali play that was highly appreciated by the viewers for its nuanced performance. “Ordhek Mahadesher Khonje” (“Seeking Half a Continent”) by Kushilob, Philadelphia, PA, was a Bengali play that engaged the audience with its deep narrative and artistic talent. “Bonolota” by Abhinayam, Marietta, GA, was the final performance of the festival, a Bengali play that left the audience with a lasting impression.
[Top] Aabaha was attended by theater groups from across the country.
Two books were also launched that day: Tarpan written by Kalpana Banerjee and Golpo Holeo Parto by Manas Das, further enriching the festival’s iterary offerings.
The festival also featured a display of paintings and pottery by local artists, along with an exclusive exhibition titled “75 Years of Indian Theater,” marking its first presentation in the United States, courtesy of Natya Shodh Sansthan, India.
Aabaha Art and Theater Festival 2024 was a powerful demonstration of the role art and theater play in uniting communities and celebrating cultural diversity. This program was supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency, the National Endowment for the Arts.
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