ADINA-Soul of Last Word
Director : Oasis Sougaijam
Writer : Polash Loing
Group : Shipabhoomi, Assam
Language : Assamese
Duration : 70 mins
Date : 15 Feb 2025
Play : ADINA-Soul of Last Word
This play powerfully explores the devastating effects of colonialism on indigenous communities, focusing on the Ragas and the Pangris, two hill tribes with deep cultural and linguistic roots. The narrative illustrates the destruction wrought by external forces seeking to exploit the land and its people for their resources.
The story begins with the harmonious coexistence of the Ragas and the Pangris, who share not only their land but also familial ties through intermarriage. However, the arrival of a colonial capitalist marks the beginning of their downfall. The capitalist, representing the larger, dominant force, seeks to exploit a rare resource hidden in the hills. By introducing modern materials, new religions, and languages, the colonial powers attempt to undermine the indigenous ways of life and impose their dominance.
The Ragas resist these changes, which sparks a deadly conflict between the two communities. The colonial tactics succeed in sowing division, leading to violence and ultimately the destruction of the Ragara community. The Pangris, although surviving, are forced to leave their homeland and migrate to an urban area. However, in the city, their language is incomprehensible to others, symbolizing the isolation and cultural loss they suffer.
The turning point comes when a man, who turns out to be the lost brother of one of the surviving members of the Pangris, understands their language. This reunion brings both sorrow and joy, as it highlights the profound loss of their community while also emphasizing the enduring connection that language and culture can provide, even in the face of near-total destruction.
The play is a poignant commentary on the erasure of indigenous languages and cultures by dominant groups. It underscores the importance of language as a vessel for cultural identity and the tragic consequences that ensue when it is lost. By showing the fate of the Indigenous people, the play warns of a future where the loss of language leads to the erasure of entire ways of life.
The use of music and physical expression likely amplifies the emotional impact of these themes, making the audience deeply feel the weight of cultural loss and the fragile hope of preservation through the characters’ experiences. The play not only serves as a reflection on historical and ongoing injustices but also as a call to recognize and protect the cultural and linguistic heritage that remains.
