Jhadipatti theatre troupes denied permission to stage plays, Congress leader seeks urgent clearance

Gadchiroli/Chandrapur: Artistes and theatre companies of eastern Vidarbha are in difficulty these days because permission is not being granted for Jhadipatti Rangbhoomi plays. It is alleged that the administration is withholding permission for performances, citing various reasons. Congress leader Mahendra Brahmanwade has demanded that permission be granted for the performances immediately.

Six districts of eastern Vidarbha, including Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, have inherited the rich cultural legacy of Jhadipatti Rangbhoomi. Besides entertaining people in villages and the countryside, it has made a name for itself as an effective means of making society aware. Hundreds of plays are staged in the region every year. This time, however, the administration is refusing permission, citing various reasons. This has put at stake the livelihoods of the artistes and theatre companies associated with the Rangbhoomi, and of thousands of people who depend on the trade.

Brahmanwade said the administration should take the matter seriously and permit the performances.

Jhadipatti Rangbhoomi is an important part of the cultural life of eastern Vidarbha. The plays staged here deal with social, educational and family themes, and also thoroughly entertain village audiences. The Rangbhoomi gives a stage to many talented artistes from rural areas to showcase their art. Its importance is therefore not limited to entertainment. It is also tied to local art, culture and employment.

The Jhadipatti theatre trade generates business of more than Rs 100 crore every year. It involves not just artistes but also playwrights, directors, music composers, instrumentalists, those who do decoration and pandal work, vehicle drivers and many others. Staging of plays also gives the local market a boost. As a result, thousands of people get direct and indirect employment.

Many artistes and technicians depend on earnings from Jhadipatti plays throughout the year. For artistes from rural areas in particular, the trade is a major means of making a living. If permission for the plays is not granted, the impact will not fall only on theatre companies but on every section connected with the entire theatre trade. Brahmanwade has therefore demanded that the hurdles in the permission process be removed and that the administration formally grant permission for the performances.

Brahmanwade also made it clear that Jhadipatti Rangbhoomi is the cultural identity of eastern Vidarbha and that many artistes have built their lives on it. It is essential to secure justice for the artistes, theatre companies and businesses connected with it. He also said the administration should not view the issue merely from the angle of the permission process, but should also keep in mind the cultural tradition behind it and the livelihoods of thousands of people.