The Walking-Talking Tableau of Life

Theatre mimics life with all its flaws and emotions. From its roots to the most primitive forms to the modern-day theatres, the art of impersonating lives is forever refreshing.

A Jatra actor putting his make-up on; Image Source- Wikipedia

Envisioning life without the internet and mobile phones will be blasphemous. Yet, people did exist before us. Adopting the taste of age-old traditions of colourful and vibrant performances, often devoted to the spiritual love of gods, the 17th century Bengal invented Jatra (procession), of actors imitating epics and legends to entertain and educate the masses. Let us live through yet another live performance in the depths of rural Bengal.

It was just another ordinary evening in this quaint countryside. The sun was about to set, painting the plain canvas of the sky in hues of orange, red, pink and purple. The children were having the time of their lives, playing, giggling and dilly-dallying their time away. Just as the kids were about to retire to the safety of their homes, Deepu noticed something.

"Hey, look! The Jatra paala (procession/team of actors) is here. Look look! They brought so many instruments, props and costumes again. I am so excited to know what will be today's story, " exclaimed a zealous Deepu.

An equally hyper-active Gopal suggested, "We should go and get our family members to join us too."

With that note of agreement, the kids rushed back to their homes to deliver the merry news. Every team of actors brought in new stories and legends. With their brilliant acting, singing and dance skills, they promised the spectacle of a lifetime.

The villagers gathered around the open stage in no time, trying to contain their curiosity. The overwhelmed crowd was busy in their chit chat when an announcement about the enactment of the 'Lakshman and Surpanakha' episode from Ramayana quenched their thirst.

The crowd erupts in a round of applause and hoots as  Surpanakha enters the stage. Meandering her way through the lush-green jungle of Panchavati, her eyes fall on the oh-so-charming Prince Ram.

Deepu's eyes widen in fascination upon seeing Surpnakha's appearance for the first time. Gopal, on the other hand, murmured, "I know what will happen next." Deepu hushed him, saying, "Oh! Be quiet and watch the play".

Rejected by the elder brother, Surpnakha approaches the younger brother, Lakshman. The latter's salty rejection made the demoness angrier.

Gopal giggles at Surpanakha's misery while Deepu attempts to predict the next scene. With the slow music of the instrumentalists, the suspense was touching the roof of Deepu's imagination.

In a fit of rage, she decides to attack Sita. Her plans are interrupted by Lakshman, who does not hesitate to slay her nose in seconds. A loud wail echoes through the forest, alarming every living being of a fateful incident.

Surpanakha's scream prompts Deepu to cover his ears. Gopal, on the other hand, knew the story. Rejoicing in Lakshman's victory, Gopal claims, "See good always triumphs over evil. I knew that Lakshman will teach Surpanakha a good lesson for being mean and cruel". Deepu nodded in approval " You are right! It was my first time watching this episode from Ramayana, but it was entertaining."

Seeing the actors, musicians and technicians winding up the stage, Deepu rushed to the group to enquire about the next performance only to receive more suspense in return. Nonetheless, another show was over, and the crowd had long since thinned. Only Deepu, Gopal and their troops were snooping around for information.

After many unsuccessful attempts and one loud holler from their mothers, the kids finally made their way back to their homes in hopes of the arrival of another Jatra tomorrow.