'Amcho Bastar' gives a sneak-peek into Bastar's vibrant culture

RAIPUR: A captivating theatrical performance titled “Amcho Bastar” portraying jungle, local life and rich folklore was organized by Kanger Ghati National Park on Thursday at Bastar’s art gallery of Jagdalpur. The play was directed by renowned theatre director Rajkumar Nayak.

Director Kanger Valley National Park Dhammshil Ganveer told TOI, that highlighting its unique portrayal of the vibrant culture of the tribe and the forest's sustainability efforts was a unique initiative by the forest department for the first time in Bastar division. Through this, they aimed to acknowledge the conservation efforts done by the community and also portray forest sustainability.

The representation of the acts included the vibrant aspects of tradition and folk tales of Bastar through theatre, aiming to bring the region's way of life and nature to a wider audience. A workshop for 15 days was conducted in Jagdalpur with over 30 local artists receiving training.

The play ‘Amcho Bastar’ was primarily derived from traditional folk tales. The main actors included Vikram Soni, Laxmi Kashyap, Bharat Gangaditya, Dheeraj Kashyap, Jainendra Singh, Parth Acharya, Bhoomika Nishad, Noopur Mahanandi Maniketan Nag, Krishna Khatoon Kumar, Anjali Behra, Sushila Baghel Hemlata, Amar Pandey, Ruksana Khatoon, Geetanjali, Sulta Maharana, Savita Devangan, Divya Das, Rajni Upadhyay, and Shashi Baghel.

The local artists enacted the performances.

Additionally, Bharat Kumar Gangaditya, Rinku Porai, and Laxmi Kudikkal composed songs and provided vocals, while Vishal Singh Thakur, Akash Tiwari, and Rahul Raikwar handled musical instruments. Avinash Prasad contributed to live broadcasting. Gujral Singh Baghel, Yugal Joshi, Suman Bhaskar, and Forest Department officials were present for support. Apratim Jha and GS Manmohan managed the stage, he added.

The play aimed to showcase how the tribal communities of Bastar deeply relate to the forests, reaching out to people across the country and the globe.

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