In today’s rapidly changing times, where the influence of technology, modernity, and fashion is increasing, folk arts and traditions are struggling for survival. At such a time, traditional theatre forms like the folk drama ‘Nacha’ emerge as a symbol of our cultural roots. In this context, the play ‘Fashion Show’ is an experiment in combining the traditional style of Nacha – songs, dialogues, satire, dance, and humor – with modern fashion and lifestyle. This production demonstrates that modernity and tradition are not contradictory, but can complement each other. Through modern costumes and ideas, the characters in the play convey the message that fashion is not just an external appearance, but also a part of one’s thinking and identity. However, it is important to maintain a connection with one’s culture and folk heritage. The production serves as a cultural dialogue, where the folk language and humor of Nacha give the audience a sense of belonging, while the modern elements connect them to the present. Ultimately, the play conveys the message that only a society that remains connected to its roots, remains strong and truly modern in the face of change.
Director
A resident of village Girola, Abhanpur, district Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Chandrahas Baghel (born May 25, 1996), is an active theatre actor, director, and writer. He holds a Bachelor’s (BPA) and Master’s (MPA) degree in Theatre from Indira Kala Sangeet University, Khairagarh. Having trained under renowned theatre director Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur, he was awarded a National Scholarship for Acting by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), New Delhi, Government of India, and a National Research Fellowship on the topic ‘The Role of the Backstage in Chhattisgarhi Folk Plays.’ He has participated in several prestigious national theatre festivals, including the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Kala Ghoda Kala Mahotsav, and Kalidas Natya Mahotsav. His notable plays include Pahatiya, Baba Pakhandis, Vincent : A Flashback, Neer, and Bharthari: Ek Vairagya Gatha. As a director, he has given productions such as Lal Rang Kaalik Ka, Nacha Fashion Show, The Indian Robin Hood – Tantya Bhil, and Nirash Peedhi. He is also active in playwriting, short stolies, and lyrics, and regional films as well, and has played the villain in the film ‘Maang Saja De Sajna.’ His aim at to connecting society with its roots by integrating folk art and modern theatre.
Director’s Note
In this dazzling modern age, when people are increasingly moving away from their traditional way of life, dialect, clothing, and culture, the ‘Lok Natya Nacha Fashion Show’ is an attempt to return to our roots.
The land of Chhattisgarh has always been filled with folk art, folk dance, and folk drama. ‘Nacha’ is not just a performance, but an expression of the people’s soul—filled with laughter, satire, song, dance, and all the colors of life.
We have transformed the style of a modern fashion show into ‘Nacha’ through this production, where the focus is not on walking the ramp, but on dancing to folk tunes. Here, not modern attire, but the traditional costumes of Chhattisgarh, gracefully adorn the stage.
This experiment makes the audience realize that tradition and modernity are not contradictory, but can complement each other—if we do not forget our roots.
The ‘Folk Theatre Nacha Fashion Show’ is not just more entertainment, but an awakening—
a message for the young people, who are losing their true beauty and authentic identity in the world of glamour.
This play says, ‘Fashion can also be folk, and folk can also become fashion.’
The aim of this effort is that the new generation see, understand, and proudly embrace their folk traditions in a new way.
If this production connects the audience with the smell of their soil and the rhythm of folk music, the experiment will be a success.
Group
‘Bison Art Foundation’ was established almost two years ago on March 10, 2024, in Abhanpur, Raipur (Chhattisgarh). The core spirit of this organization is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Chhattisgarh’s folk art, culture, and traditions. In this era of modernity, when folk life and its arts are gradually fading from people’s memories, the Bison Art Foundation aims to maintain a connection with its roots and present Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage to society in a new form.
The foundation’s primary objective is to study, research, and perform Chhattisgarh’s traditional folk theatre, folk music, folk dance, and folk tales. The organization works to disseminate these folk traditions to today’s younger generation through modern means such as theatrical performances, workshops, cultural festivals, and public awareness programs.
The word ‘bison’ means buffalo, and buffalo is black. This black color is the true color of our folk life, soil, and tribal culture. This color symbolizes the originality, depth, hard work, and simplicity of our society. This is why the organization was named ‘Bison Art Foundation’—so that the name itself carries with it the identity of our culture.