Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1138 Sat. August 11, 2007  
   
Culture


Theatre
"Nimojjon": A saga of genocides


After travelling the globe a stranger comes to an imaginary place to see his dying friend, who is a professor of political science. The place is no different from the contemporary world, where humanism is divested by genocides -- this is how Nimojjon begins.

Selim Al Deen's play Nimojjon does not follow any conventional structure; neither does it develop any particular storyline. Through narratives, the play presents chronological history of genocides that have taken place, questioning our rationality. According to Al Deen's play the history of 'civilisation' and 'genocides' are interwoven: History of genocides prevails in each civilisation. And the repetition of these brutal incidents has drowned human beings from the superior position. It is a paradox.

Nimojjon also stresses that unless the structure of a state is not designed for the welfare of humanism, genocides will never end. The play thrives in craftsmanship. Al Deen's power of narratives featuring theological, philosophical and historic incidents is worth mentioning. What is missing however, is a 'relief scene'. For two hours one has to watch stories of murder, rape and massacre held in different places throughout different civilisations including Mayan, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and contemporary ones.

Director Nasiruddin Yousuff has followed Meyarhold's 'Biomechanics' technique: An approach to actor training and to theatre developed by Russian actor, director and teacher, Vsevolod Meyerhold, which teaches acting through physical works. Through actors' body movements different sequences have been created on the stage. Yousuff has aptly handled the narratives. Art director Dhali Al Mamun's digital installations and Nasirul Haque Khokon's appropriate light design are also supportive of the directorial compositions. Shimul Yousuff's music direction is also relevant with the sequences.

Except A.K.M Sirajul Islam in the role of the ailing professor, none of the actors were impressive. The body movements of the young actors were quite alright, however, in most of the cases they failed to convey the required emotions. More efforts should be made in developing voice modulation skills.

Nimojjon was staged on August 9 at the National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the flood-affected people.

Picture
Actors of Dhaka Theatre perform in the play