A story of exploitation
“Sagina Mahatu”, a play based on the life of railway workers from the Himalayan region of British India, made its debut at Zila Shilpakala Academy auditorium recently.
This play has been adapted and directed by Shahadat Hossain Khan Hilu, secretary of Bahurupi Natya Sangstha.
The play was staged in 64 districts of the country under the patronage of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Local theatre groups Jhilik Natya Sangstha, Mukhush Natya Goshthi, Chhayanat Sahitya Sangskritik Dal and Ensemble Theatre assisted the programme.
The play was adapted from “Sagina Mahatu”, a short story written by Indian writer Gourkishore Ghosh, who depicted the struggles of the poor working class and their exploitation by their employers and authorities.
The director of the play said Sagina Mahatu, the protagonist of the play was one of the hundreds of railway workers who were exploited severely by their authorities for years. Mahatu raised his voice and protested against the repression unleashed upon them by their employers, and drew the other workers under the same umbrella. Politicians then stepped in to divide Mahatu from the workers.
The play was assisted by Manash Talukder, Mozammel Hossain, Krishna Talukder, Amol Basak and Saiful Islam.
Earlier, a discussion was held where Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh Mustakim Billah Faruqui was the chief guest. He said such initiatives by BSA will benefit theatre in the country, by spawning more talent.
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