A theatrical ode to Shah Abdul Karim

Shah Abdul Karim's life reflected in light and colour.

Theatre troupe Subachan Natya Sangsad premiered its 33rd production “Mahajoner Nao” at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on June 18. Written by Shakoor Majid, the play is directed and designed by Sudip Chakraborty.
Majid, who has already made a documentary-- “Bhatir Purush”-- on Abdul Karim, followed the bard with his camera from 2003 to his last breath. Over the last seven years, Majid came in close contact with Karim and learnt a lot about the metaphorical aspects and meanings of his songs.
On the other hand, director Sudip Chakraborty, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre, University of Dhaka, took up the challenge of depicting Karim's life in a form which involves an admixture of different aspects-- such as acting, music, lights and costumes-- to raise it to the heights. Considering these, the play was a commendable feat for the director.
Though Majid has been involved in writing for several years, “Mahajoner Nao” is his first work for the stage. He wrote the play in a lyrical form known as 'poyar'. To write the play, he took help from Karim's autobiography “Atmosmriti” and Karim's nephew and disciple Shah Abdul Toahed's book “Smritikotha”.
The play was staged in 'folk theatre' form. Twenty performers took to the centre of the hall, designed in an arena style.
The hall was packed to the brim. The enthusiastic audience deserves plaudits because they came to watch the play overlooking the craze of the ongoing World Cup Football.
Throughout the play, the actors--partly or fully-- sang over twenty songs. It is a common view that Karim's life is reflected through his songs. Both the playwright and director aptly utilise this view to establish the storyline. Nevertheless, despite the songs, the storyline seemed less attractive.
Karim's early life, his first marriage with Aftabunnesa and her demise, his second marriage with Sharala and many other factors all come up as glimpses in the play. They could have been more concrete and elaborate.
The playwright has also focused on the odds that Karim faced in society. For example, in the earlier part of the play Karim is portrayed as not being permitted to pray alongside his neighbours, because he loved songs. He is also rebuked at a social programme because he sings for the masses.
Those playing various roles in the play include Ahmed Gias, Rupa Nasrin, Fazlul Haque, Imran Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Asadul Islam, Lithu Rani Mandal and Shah Salauddin.
Apart from directing, Chakraborty also designed the set, light and costumes for the play. Prior to the premiere of the play, Abdul Karim's disciples Baul Abdur Rahman and Shah Abdul Toahid conducted a workshop for Subachan members on how to sing Karim's songs in all their essence.