Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society (GATS)

Introduction of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

• • Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society (GATS) is a well-known cultural organization of Assam.

  • It is located in Golaghat town in Upper Assam.

  • The society mainly works for the development and promotion of theatre, but it also supports music, dance, literature, and other art forms.

  • Plays are performed mainly in Assamese, but sometimes also in English.

  • GATS is considered one of the oldest and most respected theatre institutions in Assam.

Historical Background of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

• • GATS was established in the year 1895.

  • This makes it more than 125 years old, which is very rare for any cultural institution in India.

  • The society was founded by Joy Chandra Maitra along with other socially conscious people of Golaghat.

  • Their aim was to educate people, spread social awareness, and preserve Assamese culture through drama and stage performances.

  • The theatre building of GATS is one of the oldest theatre halls in Assam, showing the long tradition of stage drama in the state.

Objectives of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

The main objectives of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society are:

a. Promotion of Theatre and Arts

• • • To encourage stage drama and theatre culture in Assam.

    • To provide a platform where artists can perform plays, one-act dramas, and experimental theatre.

    • To support other art forms like music, dance, poetry, and painting.

b. Cultural Awareness

• • • To make people aware of social issues, moral values, and Assamese traditions through drama.

    • To preserve and promote Assamese language and literature.

c. Youth Involvement

• • • To encourage young people to take interest in theatre and cultural activities.

    • To train new artists and help them develop confidence and creativity.

Organisation and Activities of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

• • GATS is managed by an executive committee made up of experienced members and artists.

  • It has life members who actively support and guide the society.

  • The society regularly organizes:

    • Stage plays

    • One-act drama competitions

    • Cultural programmes

    • Theatre workshops and seminars

  • The theatre hall is also used for meetings, literary discussions, and cultural celebrations.

Major Contributions of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

a. All-Assam One-Act Drama Competition

• • • GATS organizes the All-Assam One-Act Drama Competition every year.

    • This competition started in 1981.

    • It is held in memory of Surendra Nath Saikia, a respected Assamese dramatist.

    • Drama groups from all over Assam participate in this competition.

    • It helps in discovering new talent and keeps the theatre tradition alive.

b. Awards and Recognition

• • • GATS gives the Haripada Chetia State Award.

    • This award is given to people who have made outstanding contributions to theatre, literature, and culture in Assam.

    • Such awards encourage artists and recognize their lifelong dedication to the arts.

c. Cultural and Social Programmes

• • • The society organizes various cultural events, poetry recitations, and literary programmes.

    • Even during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, GATS continued its activities by staging socially relevant plays.

    • Through drama, it spreads messages about health, social responsibility, and unity.

Cultural and Heritage Importance of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society

• • Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society is not just a theatre group; it is a cultural heritage institution of Assam.

  • Its long history shows how theatre has been an important part of Assamese society.

  • The foundation day of GATS is celebrated every year to honor its founders and senior artists.

  • It represents the continuity of Assamese cultural traditions from the colonial period to modern times.

Importance of Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society for Assam

• • GATS has played a major role in:

    • Preserving traditional Assamese theatre

    • Developing modern Assamese drama

    • Creating awareness on social and cultural issues

  • Many famous artists and dramatists of Assam started their journey from platforms like GATS.

  • It strengthens the cultural identity of Assam, especially in Upper Assam.