“Court Martial†sees 200th show
Theatre Art Unit's critically acclaimed production “Court Martial†saw its 200th staging on November 23 at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The landmark show was held as part of the 10-day International Theatre Festival organised by the troupe to mark its 20th anniversary.
An adaptation of an Indian literary work, the play was initially directed by SM Solaiman. After Solaiman's demise the troupe discontinued the staging of the play. After a long hiatus, they brought the play back on stage with M. Bari as the new director.
The engaging and suspense-filled play recounts the misfortune of a soldier, who is the son of a Birangana. Throughout the play, the audience observes how a Birangana's son is oppressed and finally treated as a murderer under martial law.
“Court Martial†is Theatre Art Unit's first production. Arguably it is the troupe's most successful and popular production.
SM Solaiman had adapted “Court Martial†from Salil Sarkar's translation of Indian playwright Swades Dipak's work of the same title.
The play poses a question to the audience: Is it possible for human beings to avoid inherent jealousy or cruelty? The playwright has tried to bring forth the story from an institution like the army.
The storyline: Colonel Rabbi sentences a soldier, Akbar, to death. Akbar has killed an officer and injured Major FA Khan for making derogatory remarks about his mother. Major Mahmud defends Akbar's case and tries to prove that his killer instinct was aroused due to constant mental torture.
Mohammad Bari, Selim Mahbub, Prashanta Haldar, Chandan Reza and Ezad played the lead roles. Hemayet Hossain Tapan and Thandu Raihan are the set and light designers of the play.
On the other hand, Shamannay Theatre from Chatmahar, Pabna staged its production “Go-Jatra†at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The troupe received SM Solaiman Motivation Award during the festival.
The 10-day festival ended yesterday.
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