“Shatrughna”: A lone, ethical stance

The play addresses the irrational tendencies of the masses, and the hypocritical and corrupt nature of the political system that they support. Photo: MUMIt M.

Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal staged “Shatrughna”, an adaptation of “An Enemy of the People”, on the fourth day (November 15) of the ongoing International Ibsen Seminar and Theatre Festival. Adapted and directed by veteran theatre personality Mamunur Rashid, the play was staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The play, in the satire form, zooms in on an individual who sides with truth, facing hostility from the society.
“An Enemy of the People” (1882) was Ibsen's response to the public outcry against “Ghosts” (1881), which at that time was considered scandalous. “Ghosts” had challenged the hypocrisy of Victorian morality and was considered offensive.
“An Enemy of the People” addresses the irrational tendencies of the masses, and the hypocritical and corrupt nature of the political system that they support. It is the story of Dr. Thomas Stockmann's struggle to do the right thing and speak the truth in the face of extreme social inconsistencies.
Mamunur Rashid set the play in a contemporary society, where the protagonist, a physician, faces public outrage.
The physician, who represents Ibsen's voice, was enacted by Rashid himself.
The physician is a dignified citizen. His brother -- a moneylender known as 'Mahajan'-- somehow attains fame because of his social welfare activities. This identity helps him bag one of the world's most prestigious awards. The award turns Mahajan as the most influential person in the country.
Mahajan's true colours are revealed to the physician, when one day an elderly woman tells him how her son died in the process of repaying a loan from Mahajan.
To his surprise, the physician finds it difficult to make the masses see Mahajan's real identity. They seem unable to grasp the seriousness of the issue. As the conflict develops, Mahajan warns the physician that he should not raise his voice against his own brother.
The play highlights Ibsen's memorable quote: “The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone.”
Chanchal Chowdhury performed as Mahajan, while Tamalika Karmakar played the role of his accomplice. Among others, Shah Alam Dulal, Rubly Chowdhury, Chhobi, Arif Hossain and Sajjad Shaju performed major characters.
Porimal Majumdar was the music director of the play. Tariq Mahbub was the light designer. The play also featured use of multi-media.
On the same day a recitation programme featuring Ibsen's poems was held at the Studio Theatre. Directed by Bhaswar Bandopadhyay, Katha Abriti Charcha Kendra staged the show.