Mapping Odisha’s Indigenous Theatre

Abstract

Cultures are most fully expressed in and made conscious of themselves in their rituals and theatrical performances - Victor Turner In mapping the historiography of Indian theatre, the State of Odisha is relegated to the periphery. Situated on the east coast of India, with the Bay of Bengal forming its eastern and south – eastern frontier, it is a colourful, vibrant region, a land of exquisite art and culture far ‘far away from the madding crowd’. My subsequent visit only resolved me into finding the source of this quietude. To a person from North India, it becomes difficult to comprehend the slow paced life, little becoming sufficient, lack of cut-throat competitive killer instinct still existing in the 21st century when the modern life is characterized with materialism, growing individualization, consumerism and superficiality. Odisha’s over brimming serenity is the missing ingredient in major part of today’s world. The intrigues and scruples concomitant with the present day life appear as non-existent or existing in near invisibility here. Vignettes of ‘The Great Tradition’ are still palpable here. This set me on a journey to demystify the root of the sense of overwhelming tranquillity, of satisfaction perceptible on the face of people who have relentlessly borne the brunt of natural calamity year after year. I could attributethis rare phenomenon to the rich, lively cultural dynamism interwoven and infused in the fabric of Odia daily life permeating the multi layered society from village to the cities. It has acted as a safety valve as well as have served as punching bag to vent their angst and frustration.