After cinema halls, Assam CM now to the rescue of mobile theatres in the state

Guwahati: Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has assured that he will look into reviving the ailing mobile theatre industry, which has been a popular mode of entertainment in Assam over the years, especially in the hinterland, where cinema halls are a rarity. Sonowal on Friday interacted with the representatives of the Mobile Theatre Producers' Association in Dispur, where several concerns were discussed.

In the meeting, the representatives of the association who were present submitted a memorandum expressing their concerns and demands to the Chief Minister Sonowal. They further briefed the Chief Minister on the challenges the industry is facing in Assam.

Asserting that the mobile industry has always been a significant part of the cultural landscape in Assam, Sonowal affirmed that the state government will take steps to alleviate the difficulties faced by the mobile theatre industry.

The CM also directed KK Dwivedi, the Commissioner and Secretary of Industry Department, to conduct a meeting with the association's representatives and "find ways to register mobile theatres under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the category."

This development came merely days after Sonowal ceremonially handed over subsidies to 10 entrepreneurs to encourage them to renovate closed and old movie theaters and also for establishing new theater halls.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said that the Government has taken this decision to promote the exhibition of Assamese Cinema along with other mainstream cinemas and to help revamp the film industry.

For the uninitiated, mobile theatre is a form of popular theatre exclusive to Assam. Unlike Street plays, Mobile Theatre groups travel from place to place with their cast, singers, musicians, dancers and crew, often carrying tents and seating with them.

Theatre allows performances in small villages without their own performance spaces, which was particularly important in villages without electricity for television. Troupes offer plays including adaptations of popular Assamese novels, Greek Classics and Hollywood blockbusters.

Needless to say, this form of theatre provides employment to thousands of Assamese people. The industry, however, has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lockdown that badly affected the income of the artistes.

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