Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The A·chiks are one of the major tribes of Meghalaya and is basically an oral community. Though the A·chiks are not aware of the concept of theatre, the elements of folk theatre are to be found in their various performances, from rituals to the present day stage plays. The rituals associated with traditional religion of the A·chiks, that is Songsarek comprise sacrifices of animals, libation and chanting of prayers and myths. They also have a rich repository of epic narrations known as Katta Agana and folk songs of various kinds. Dance, comprising ritual dances, warrior dances and community dances form part of rituals and festivals of the A·chik community. Today majority of A·chiks have become Christians and it is seen that theatrical elements have made inroads into Christian devotion in the forms of kirtans, songkristans, etc. In addition to these, folk plays were performed by the community as early as 1937-38. The seasonal plays have allowed themselves to grow and be influenced by the performances of neighbouring states and communities. Today A·chik theatre has arrived in the true sense in the forms of stage-plays like A·chik A·song and Du·kon.
Author: Barbara S Sangma
Language: English
Topic: Arts and Performance Studies
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2183364504