Experimental plays on second day

"Jyotishanghita" seeks experimentation in a sphere of aesthetics. Photo Courtesy: Kamaluddin Kabir

Two experimental works -- Prachyanat's deconstructive adaptation of the Tagore classic “Raja” and Habiganj Shilpakala Academy's “Jyotishanghita” -- set the pace for the second day (August 26) of the ongoing Selim Al Deen Festival 2012 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The plays were respectively staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall and National Theatre Hall.
Selim Al Deen Foundation and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have arranged the festival in association with Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre.
With the use of multimedia and a not-often-seen [T-shaped] stage, Prachyanat's production “Raja…ebong Onnanyo” can only be performed in selected auditoriums.
Azad Abul Kalam's approach to the play has been much talked about. The play tries to keep the Tagorean essence intact, even after being deconstructed.
Without changing the original plot, Kalam gave “Raja” a new look and tried to portray the ubiquitous King as a metaphor set against the backdrop of the contemporary chaotic world. Use of contemporary music, dance and multimedia helps the play to connect to the present day audience.
Azad Abul Kalam was the voice of the omnipresent King, while guest actor Afsana Mimi performed as the queen. The cast also included Tapan Majumdar, Sanjida Preeti, Rubaiya Manzur, Shatabdi Wadud and Sakhawat Hossain Rezvi.
While “Raja…ebong Onnanyo” is more subjective and focused on issues, “Jyotishanghita” seeks experimentation in a sphere of aesthetics, with a moving storyline, and through creating colourful visuals. Directed and designed by Sudip Chakroborthy, the play zooms in on an indigenous freedom fighter. Ruma Modok wrote the play, keeping in mind the contribution of the indigenous communities during the Liberation War.
The story is set in the countryside and follows the eventful journey of the protagonist. Aniruddha Kumar Dhar, Ruma Modok, Iqbal Chowdhury and Sanjida Sinha, among others, performed in the play.
Today, no plays will be staged but the seminar on the newly found archaeological elements at Wari and Bateswar will be held at the Seminar Hall of the academy. Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, Department of Archaeology, Jahangirnagar University and Muhammad Habibullah Pathan will jointly present the keynote paper titled “Wari-Bateswar: Shekorer Shondhaney”. Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Professor Anwar Hossain, will preside over the seminar that will start at 3pm.