Folk Drama Nacha ‘Fashion Show’ Combines Tradition and Modernity

The traditional theatre form of the folk drama 'Nacha' has been used in the production 'Fashion Show' as an experiment to combine traditional styles—such as songs, dialogues, satire, dance, and humor—with modern fashion and lifestyle. The production demonstrates that modernity and tradition are not contradictory and can complement each other, using modern costumes and ideas to convey that fashion is part of thinking and identity while maintaining a connection to cultural roots.

Director

Chandrahas Baghel, born May 25, 1996, is a resident of village Girola, Abhanpur, district Raipur (Chhattisgarh). He is an active theatre actor, director, and writer who holds Bachelor's (BPA) and Master's (MPA) degrees in Theatre from Indira Kala Sangeet University, Khairagarh. Trained under renowned theatre director Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur, Baghel received a National Scholarship for Acting from 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.’ His directorial works include Lal Rang Kaalik Ka, Nacha Fashion Show, The Indian Robin Hood – Tantya Bhil, and Nirash Peedhi. He has also performed in notable plays such as Pahatiya, Baba Pakhandis, Vincent : A Flashback, Neer, and Bharthari: Ek Vairagya Gatha, and played the villain in the film ‘Maang Saja De Sajna.’

Director’s Note

Director Chandrahas Baghel notes that the ‘Lok Natya Nacha Fashion Show’ is an attempt to return to traditional ways of life, dialects, clothing, and culture in Chhattisgarh. In this production, the style of a modern fashion show is transformed into Nacha, focusing on dancing to folk tunes and featuring traditional costumes of Chhattisgarh on stage. The effort aims to serve as an awakening and message for young people, showing that fashion can be folk and folk can become fashion.

Group: Bison Art Foundation

The ‘Bison Art Foundation’ was established on March 10, 2024, in Abhanpur, Raipur (Chhattisgarh). Dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Chhattisgarh's folk art, culture, and traditions, the organization aims to study, research, and perform traditional folk theatre, music, dance, and tales. The organization's name reflects the black color of folk life, soil, and tribal culture, symbolizing the originality, depth, hard work, and simplicity of society.