The BSA production is based on a myth popular in the southern part of the country. Photo: Neloy Hossain

As part of its commitment to performing arts, one of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's (BSA) major activities is to produce theatre plays every year. Unfortunately however, since its inception in 1974, the state organisation has only produced four plays.

BSA's first production, "Eksho Bosta Chal", (an adaptation of a Japanese story) premiered in 2006.

In recent times, the organisation staged two plays. Selim Al Deen's "Putra", on the theatre icon's birth anniversary, and an Abdullah Al Mamun play "Shapath".

The fourth and latest production by BSA is "Gazi Kalu Champabati" -- a pala (an indigenous performing art form, combining theatrics and music) based on a myth popular in the southern part of the country.

"Gazi Kalu Champabati" was staged at the Experi-mental Theatre Hall on November 5. The play is based on the ballads written by Sheikh Khoda Baksh, Halumeer and Abdur Rahim. The play was adapted jointly by Simon Zakaria, Saidur Rahman Lipon and Junayed Yousuf.

Golam Sarwar, deputy director of the Drama department of BSA is the director of the play. Shadhona -- a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance -- associated BSA in bringing the production on stage.

The legend of Gazi, Kalu and Champabati is well known for the characters' mystic traits and secular appeal. Gazi was the son of Shah Sekandar Ali. He emerged in the seventh century as 'Gazi Pir', a secular Muslim holy man. Gazi Pir actively encouraged religious harmony.

The myth of Gazi Pir narrates how he leaves the comfort of palace at an early age and creates a den in the deep forest along with his adopted brother Kalu. In the forest, wild animals become his disciples. It is believed that Gazi and Kalu initiated a domain in the jungle called 'Shonapur'.

One day, while roaming around in the jungle, Gazi spots a temple, where he finds a beautiful woman lying on the floor. Gazi falls in love with the woman whose name is Champabati.

Eventually Gazi and Champabati get married despite different religious backgrounds. But, it was in Gazi's fate that no love or family ties could keep him away from the sacred path. Gazi leaves his home again in search of the Creator.

Saidur Rahman Lipon played the role of Gazi Pir. Khandakar Tajminur, Kazi Shila, Shiuli Haque and Shishir Rahman played the other central characters. Parimal Majumdar was the music director of the play. Mohammad Jasimuddin was the light designer. A large pata chitra design as the backdrop set the ambiance. Renowned artist Sham-bhu Acharya painted the pata chitra.