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TEZPUR: The two-day Natasurya Phani Sarma Memorial Drama Festival, organized by Ban Theatre to mark the 55th death anniversary of the legendary dramatist, commenced on Saturday evening with the staging of Ekalavya, a children’s play inspired by a unique interpretation of the iconic Mahabharata character.
Written by former workshop trainees Priyakshi Madhukalya and Jagrity Koundinya, Ekalavya was brought to life by nearly two dozen participants of Ban Theatre’s 2025 Summer Children and Youth Drama workshop. Directed by theatre artistes Gautam Pathak and Moon Deka under the guidance of workshop coordinator and Ban Theatre Secretary Dwijen Nath, the 55-minute production captivated the audience with heartfelt performances, reaffirming Tezpur’s tradition of nurturing future stage talent.
The evening began with a tribute to Natasurya Phani Sarma and recently deceased theatre icon Ratan Thiyam, led by Ban Theatre President Bankim Sarma. This was followed by a memorial address, felicitation ceremony, and book release.
Eminent actor and Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava presented the Kartick Hazarika Memorial Cash Award to Kanchan Bora (Boloram in last year’s Kanai) and Nayanika Das (Kanai). District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das released Gumadhar, a play by Dwijen Nath, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Continuing its tradition of honouring senior members, Ban Theatre felicitated noted social worker Pradeep Bhattacharya with an award and citation, presented jointly by MLA Rava and District Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das.
The play’s music was composed by Mayur Kanchan Bora, Hemadhar Das, Anwesha Kanchan Bora, Rajdeep Bora, Anusmita Das, Hridoy Krishna Choudhury, Maunitam Saikia, and Rudraksh Bibhushan. Lighting design was by Mrigangk Gohain Baruah, lighting operation by Ujjal Saikia, stage design by Mayur Kanchan Bora, makeup by Dibyojyoti Nath, and choreography by Jahnabi Boro, Priyakshi Madhukalya, and Nistha Mahanta.
The performance left the audience deeply moved, and each trainee was later presented with a certificate of appreciation by Ban Theatre in recognition of their dedication and artistry.
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