Tasher Desh staged in Chittagong

A scene from the play. Photo: Prabir Das

A dramatised version of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's popular dance-drama “Tasher Desh” was staged by the students of Department of Dramatics, University of Chittagong (CU) at Theatre Institute Chittagong on Monday evening.
The play is a metaphoric work by Tagore in which he describes “Tasher Desh” as a land, where everything goes by the rule of the book and the people of the land lead their lives following that particular code. Liberalism is banned here.
The play depicts how the new thoughts of a visiting prince bring about a change in the mindset of the people of Tasher Desh. The queen also joins in the quest for a new life, and ultimately the king in deference to public opinion goes forward with them in the new way of life. The cast included Lenin, Mamun, Shakila, Kumkum, Emran, Saba, Ripon, Sumon and Nishi.
The play which was the first theatrical production of the Department of Dramatics, CU was directed by Ashim Das, a lecturer of the department. The set, choreography, costume and lights were also designed by the director himself.
Before the play, a brief discussion was held which was presided over by chairman of Department of Dramatics, Kuntol Barua. Vice Chancellor of CU, Professor Anwarul Azim Arif was present as chief guest, while Professor Alauddin, Dean of Arts faculty, Professor Emran Hossain and Mostaine Billah were present as special guests.