<b>Shah Jahan</b> A dazzling jatrapala at Dhaka University

DU students in the ‘jatrapala’ “Shah Jahan.” Photo: Mumit M

At the TSC auditorium, the scenario was rather unusual. The ambiance was certainly urban but the setting was quite rustic. Enthusiastic Dhaka University students sat on the floor next to the stage, just as villagers at a 'mela' do. November 8 was the first day of the 3rd Central Annual Theatre Festival organised by Dhaka University and the opening performance was a historic 'jatrapala,' “Shah Jahan.”
The event was inaugurated by Dr SMA Fayez, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University. Dr Sirajul Islam Chowdhury was the chief guest while Dr. AFM Yousuf Haidar, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Professor Syed Abul Kalam Azad, treasurer, DU; Dr. Sadrul Amin, Dean, Faculty of Arts, DU were present as special guests. Dr Israfil Shaheen, Chairman, Department of Theatre and Music, DU presided over the inauguration.
“Organised centrally, this festival aims at encouraging teamwork among students. We've worked on several theatrical forms before, now we are focusing on the major indigenous performing art forms. Jatrapala is a key indigenous art form of our country,” Dr Shaheen said in his speech.
"Shah Jahan" is an adaptation of a Dwijendralal Roy tragedy (1909) with the same title. The play follows the Mughal Emperor's imprisonment by his own son Aurangzeb and the relationship the former had with his devoted and brave daughter Jahanara who accompanied her father till his death. The young performers were quite successful in retaining the flavour and fervour of traditional 'jatrapala' performances.
An interesting aspect of the show was the abundance of female performers in male roles. Traditionally, in a 'jatrapala,' female characters are often played by men, due to the dearth of women in the profession. Julhaz Miah in the role of Emperor Shah Jahan, Amitabh Roy as Aurangzeb and Mohsina Akhter as Jahanara delivered credible performances. The comic duo Dildar (played by Shandra Nandini) and Pyara Begum (Priti Elizabeth) entertained the audience with their gestures and witty conversation. Dr Israfil Shaheen and Sudip Chakaroborthy, lecturer, Department of Theatre and Music, DU coordinated the performance.
Eminent 'jatra' artiste Jyotsna Biswas along with Sultan Selim, Rikta Sultana and Milan Kanati Dey instructed the students on the indigenous art form.
“I truly admire the students who were eager to learn the style. They had to work hard as we had limited time. It is a laudable initiative to include this genre in the syllabus of the Department of Theatre and Music, DU at a time when 'jatrapala' is on the verge of dying. Other universities of the country should come forward to stage 'jJatrapala' at least once a year to keep this indigenous tradition alive,” said Jyotsna Biswas.
A total of 17 productions of the Department of Theatre and Music, DU will be staged throughout the festival. Students of honours, final year, are directing the productions and the rest of the students are performing in the plays. Today, “ Protest” and “The Zoo Story” will be staged.