50th staging of “Khona” today

BotTala has been a known name to theatre enthusiasts of the capital for a good few years now, for their striking plays with strong socially-relevant theatre productions and street plays. Perhaps their most-acclaimed work for the stage is "Khona". Written by Samina Luthfa — an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Dhaka University, and directed by Mohammad Ali Haider, the play is the story of Khona, an iconic character in Bangla folklore – who passed on a volume of agricultural knowledge, popularly called Khona's Sayings ("Khonar Bochon"), from generation to generation as a part of the oral tradition among preliterate farmers.

The landmark 50th staging of the popular play will be held today at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today, including some surprises for the spectators. The cast of Khona will be accorded special honours. The event will also serve as a reunion of former and current members of the troupe, and will have eminent thespians in presence.