Nat: Theatre Archives of Assam is a project that seeks to gather, amalgamate, digitize and make accessible to the researcher and the lay person alike, the remarkably rich history of theatre in Assam through the collection of archival theatre/dramatic/performance materials, paraphernalia and writing. The history is centuries old, and consists of various heterogeneous folk, classical, secular & religious, amateur & commercial, modern and contemporary experimental strands.
The theatrical tradition of Assam showcases diversity, scholarship and a direct relationship with community life that ensures its survival and continuity. But there is the pressing need for an archive that records and documents these invaluable traditions of the dramatic art in Assam and the Nat: Theatre Archives of Assam Project is an important step in that direction. The goal of this ambitious project is as follows–
To collect and document our traditions of theatre from the medieval to contemporary times. To preserve and digitize records of old and contemporary theatrical processes and products of all generations.
To ensure a better understanding of theatre as vital elements of cultural history.
To support collaboration among theatre activists, practitioners & scholars.
To re-investigate Assamese theatre history from the perspectives of both the theatre practices and the practitioners.
To encourage research and critical inquiry into the Theatre Arts of Assam.