Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay always wrote on the oppressed, more specifically on marginalised women. His play Shoroshi is no exception. In Shoroshi he narrates the sufferings of a Shebadashi--a lady who assists the priest in temples.

The protagonist of the play is a Bhairabi, the chief Shebadashi, in the Nat Mandir (temple) at Garchandi.

In Shoroshi we see how Shoroshi, a devotee, fights against the hypocritical upper crust of the society who use the mandir's wealth for their own ends. Even the priest is no different from these evil doers.

The play reaches the climax when the feudal lord Jibanananda comes to Garchandi. As Shoroshi is an obstacle to their evil desire, even Jibanananda, her ex-husband forces her to leave Garchandi. However, at the end of the play Jibanananda realises his fault. But time does not allow him to repent.

Mostafa Heera, the director of the play, has successfully represented the time of the early 20th century India.

Zunaed Yousuf has created a suggestive mandir on the stage. He has even used a tulsi tree as part of his set design. Zunaed's light design is simple but effective.

However, the selection of the playback music does not always suitably represent the theme. Sometimes popular modern music compositions have created a jarring impact.

Tauhid as the priest of the play performed well. If the other performers had done likewise, Shoroshi would have been an enjoyable play.

SM Solaiman's work lives on
Renowned theatre personality SM Solaiman passed away at the age of 48 on September 22, 2001. In his lifetime he had written over 30 plays. In the current Dhaka Drama Festival 2004, three theatre groups are staging his plays.

On the second day of the festival, Dhaka Padatik staged his play Inggit. Theatre Art Natyadal will stage Court Marshal and Theatre Art Unit will stage Golapjan on July 3 and July 16 respectively. Social issues form the crux of these plays.

SM Solaiman was not only a successful playwright but also a prominent director, organiser, actor, singer and music composer. After the independence, Solaiman introduced a trend in direction by incorporating choreography and music in his theatre.

Aamina Shundori, written and directed by Solaiman, is the first Bangla play performed off Broadway, America.

In his lifetime he was the General Secretary of BGTF as well as the convening member of Shammalita Sanskritik Jote.

It is a fitting tribute to the versatile theatre personality that his works live on.

Ershad Kamol

Schedules (June 24-28)
June 24
Play: Bhabaghurey
Playwright: Shantanu Biswas
Director: Tarun Kumar Basu
Group: Theatre (Topkhana)

June 25
Play: Hat Hadai
Playwright: Selim Al Deen
Director: Nasiruddin Yousuff
Group: Dhaka Theatre

June 26
Play: Ami Gadha Bolchhi
Playwright: Krishan Chandar
Director: Mujibur Rahman Dilu
Group: Dhaka Drama Natyadal

June27
Play: Karnakatha
Playwright: Tanvir Ahmed
Director: Mohammed Jasimuddin
Group: Abayab Natyadal

June 28
Play: Tahader Kotha
Playwright: Rezanur Rahman
Director: Farhad Zaman Palash
Group: Dhaka Sarak

June 29
Play: Good Bye Dhaka
Playwright & Director: Nazrul Islam Khan
Group: Bahubachan

June 30
Play: Daybaddha
Playwright: Chandan Sen
Director: Aarham Alo
Group: Bahubachan

July 01
Play: Kanjush
Playwright: Moliere
Adapted by Tariq Anam Khan
Director: Liakat Ali Lucky
Group: Loko Natya Dal

Venue: Experimental Theatre Stage at Shilpakala Academy; Time: 7 pm
Tickets are available at Sagar Publishers, Baily Road and at the venue before shows.
Prices: Tk. 30, Tk. 50 and Tk. 100.