Anushilon, Rajshahi stages Uttarkhana
Depicting the milieu of an agrarian society, the play is based on popular aphorisms known as Khonar Bachan.Photo: STAR
Rajshahi University based theatre troupe Anushilon Natyadal staged its latest production “Uttarkhana” at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on March 23. The play has been written and directed by Malay Bhowmick.
Depicting the milieu of an agrarian society, the play is based on popular aphorisms related to agriculture that are commonly known as Khonar Bachan. Although the play predominantly depicts the story taken from 11th-century, it tries to re-define those aphorisms by relating them with present-day technology-based agriculture.
The play has been written in a lyrical form. The director sees it as a tough production to design for proscenium. Usually folk tales demand a different stage setting such as an arena.
Through the tale of a girl named Lata and her family, the play also strives to reveal the existence of traditional exploitation of farmers at the hands of mahajans (moneylenders), despite technological advancement in agriculture.
During Khona's time, farmers were self-sufficient as they used to keep a careful eye on nature, particularly on clouds and rains for agriculture. Khona's aphorisms well reflected the farmers' proven experiences of nature, and they followed these aphorisms from generation to generation.
Gradually farmers have become dependent on fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation, and loans. The cases of small and marginal farmers are more taxing.
Bhowmick, also a teacher of Rajshahi University, tries to find imaginary answers to the question of how Khona would describe the present situation of technology-dependent agriculture.
The stage decoration was minimal. As props, replicas of agriculture -related equipment including basket and boat were well placed on the stage. Bhowmick also did the set and costume designing. All the performers were clad in green costumes.
Ladli Mohon Moitra and Alo Moitra choreographed the play while Shiladityo Boiragi and his aides directed the background music.
Tanjida Nahar, Abdullah Al Mamun, Meherunnesa, Humayun Shakil, Shuvo Karmakar and Rafijul Opu played important characters in the play.
The staging was part of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation's regular endeavour to invite troupes from outside Dhaka and give them an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the Dhaka audience.
The play is the 53rd production of the 33-year old Anushilon. The play premiered at Rajshahi University in February.
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