Basavangudi is a quiet neighbourhood. So, when the haunting sounds of a beating drum reaches the ear, it naturally arouses one's curiosity. It came from a nearby school, and the sound was not that of the normal school band drum. Rather, it sounded quite exotic. Curiously, I peered into the auditorium to see children huddled around the centrestage. As I went closer, I felt the vibration, as if it was pounding on my heart. There, amidst the excited kids was the musician, rhythmically playing on a strange looking drum.

Everybody calls him 'Djembe Ashok', ever since he started playing on this African drum a few years ago. Though Ashok is well known in the city's theatre circles, it's his Djembe that has brought him fame. Actively involved in Kannada theatre since the last two decades, Ashok has been experimenting with various other aspects of theatre. He has worked with street theatre groups, social service organizations, TV serial production houses, music groups and now the Djembe.

He proves amazingly interesting to talk to. In his soothing voice, he explains the origin of his interest in the Djembe. It is basically a percussion instrument of tribals in Senegal in Africa. Covered by an untanned skin of deer or an antelope, it produces a wide range of sounds. At times it sounds like a booming tom-tom and the next moment it imitates the Tabla. Ashok saw this instrument being played by his German friend in Hampi. Watching his friend perform mesmerized Ashok and within moments he was hooked onto the Djembe.

Working for the 'Theatre Ensemble' run by the renowned director Khalid Tyabji, he went on a tour throughout India, performing in villages as well as cities. This was an experimental work done by the team, which specializes in physical theatre. "The tour was such an enriching experience. Right from the foothills of the Himalayas to the rocky wilderness in Hampi, everyday of my life was enchanting. I came face to face with the real people of India or as they say 'Sons of the soil'. I could understand the diversity of our culture and yet vibe with people, who were so affectionate despite being strangers."

Since his childhood, Ashok has always been fascinated by theatre, dance and music. His early childhood in rural Karnataka nurtured a never-ending passion for folk theatre and music. No doubt, he was soon drawn into active theatre and he worked with groups like Samudhaya and groups formed by National School of Drama students.

Working for a communication organization called Madhyam, he experimented with street theatre to propagate social messages. This experiment was very successful in establishing the only group entirely made up of college students performing street theatre. After he left the organization, he has continued to organize workshops for youngsters to build theatrical skills.

But since he has taken up the Djembe, he has been flooded with invitations to perform in various parts of the country. His first public show was for a charity show of CRY, in 1999. After a major performance in Alliance Francaise called 'Beyond Self Cultural Fest' last year, he became quite popular. In December last year, he had camped in Goa, performing everyday for nearly a month. He was working with a Spanish band, enthralling the audience on the beaches of Goa. Recently, he had been to the Konark festival to perform for the Tourism Department of Orissa.

Now this self taught, versatile artiste is looking towards building and nurturing theatre and music among children, who in turn will sustain this tradition.

To contact Ashok:
Email: djemashok@netscape.net

Text and pic by Levine Lawrence

|