Sonata comes back to Dhaka

A scene from the play.

Stage One Dhaka, in association with Mukul and the Ghetto Tigers and Dhaka Film Society is bringing back “Sonata” -- a one-act play by Mahesh Elkunchwar -- to three Dhaka venues. “Sonata” was translated and adapted into a bi-lingual (Bangla and English) play by Leesa Gazi and staged in London in 2008. The play was staged in Dhaka in 2010. The highly successful performances in London were extremely significant for the British Bangladeshi actors since it was the first time that actors of Bangladeshi origin worked professionally in mainstream English theatre. Two years later, in January 2010, “Sonata” received critical acclaim in Dhaka.
“Sonata” is about three women who have left Bangladesh to make England, and more specifically, London, their home. The play explores the psychological and physical impact of displacement and the bonds of friendship between the three single women. The action takes place in Bipasha and Dolon's shared flat during a typical Sunday evening. Their lively, entertaining and frequently challenging exchanges reveal their relationship with each other and the world outside. The three friends -- Bipasha, Dolon and Ria -- are being played by Mita Chowdhury, Shormymala and Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed. The play is directed by Mukul Ahmed.
Sonata was staged recently at Chhayanaut auditorium and at Probortona Adda, Mirpur. It was staged yesterday at Studio Theatre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.