Selina Shelly, also the writer of the production, plays the lead role. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Oxford-based troupe Theatre Folks staged their play “Jamuna” at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on January 11 and 12 evening.

A houseful audience enjoyed the play, which is inspired by the spirit of sculptor Ferdousi Priyabhashini's artworks.

Selina Shelly who is also the protagonist in the play, has scripted “Jamuna” while Mohammad Ali Haider was in charge of direction.

The plot encircles Jamuna, an artist tormented by nightmarish memories of 1971, when like scores of other women, she was whisked away to a military camp for  several months. At an all time low in her life, she discovers the wonders of art that allow her to confront her past and motivate her to start anew. She loves to create sculptures from waste. Now after 35 years, Jamuna is a known artist and on the way to emerge as an artist through her first exhibition.

The play depicts how a hopeless woman gradually overcomes her past and takes centre-stage. The protagonist, metaphorically, is Bangladesh that rose from the ashes, leaving behind many hurdles. Jamuna is also a representative of thousands of indomitable women.

Aside from the plot and acting, the play has a superb set design while good lighting lent life to the props.

Selina Shelley aptly played her role, while the other cast included Syed Manzurul Hussain, Adita Hasan, Arnila Guha Nolok, Onindita Sarker, Sadia Ahammed and Soma Ferdous.

Mohammad Ali Haider has designed the light, while Manzurul Hussain has done the set design. Sumel Chowdhury and Samina Lutfa Nitra have done the background music and choreography respectively.

Desh Natok and BotTala brought the production to the audience of Dhaka.