Ebong Bidyashagor staged at Aboyob Theatre Festival

The play focuses on the challenges Bidyashagor faced when trying to introduce widow remarriage to the mainstream Hindu society in the mid-nineteenth century. Photo: Mumit M

On the fourth day of the ongoing theatre festival by Aboyob Natyadal, theatre troupe Aranyak staged its latest production "Ebong Bidyashagor" at the National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). To celebrate its 12th anniversary, Aboyob Natyadal has organised the festival, starting from April 3.
Written by Mannan Hira and directed by Mamunur Rashid, "Ebong Bidyashagor" is set in the mid-nineteenth century Calcutta. Calcutta was experiencing a transition, often described as the "Bengal Renaissance." The central character in the play is Ishwar Chandra Bidyashagor, eminent scholar, philosopher and social reformer -- one of the key figures of the Bengal Renaissance. The play particularly focuses on the challenges the reformer faced when trying to introduce the practice of widow remarriage to the mainstream Hindu society.
With the playwright's freedom to use fictional characters as well as the historical ones, the play moves on portraying several significant incidents in Biyashagor's life -- such as founding schools for women; arranging weddings for widows; helping his contemporary, the famous poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt when he was burdened under debt; interaction with 'Young Bengals' and more.
The play opens with Shobharam Bachashpati, the landlord of Bakura, on his way to a brothel. Nilmoni, a playful courtesan confronts the drunken landlord on the street. On the same street, Neelmoni meets Bidyashagor, who has lost his way. Failing to seduce the philanthropist, Neelmoni teases him: "Are you trying to be Bidyashagor?" Neelmoni, herself is a widow, who has been forced by circumstances to take up her current profession.
One day, Shobharam Bachashpati goes to Bidyashagor's place and comes across Radha, a beautiful young widow sheltered by the reformer. A smitten Shobharam wants to marry Radha. Overwhelmed by the proposal, as it would be considered a social achievement if a Hindu aristocrat marries a widow, Bidyashagor gives his consent. Unfortunately, after the marriage it is revealed that Bachashpati already has three wives. A frustrated Bidyashagor feels that he is incapable of changing the fates of Radha, Neelmoni and other widows.
With Mamunur Rashid in the lead role, the cast also included Aminul Haque, Shamima Shawkat Lovely, Arif Hossain Apel, Chhobi, Momena Chowdhury, Dipak Sumon and others.
Today, Aboyob Natyadal's production "Bhimroti" will be staged at the festival. Directed by Rafiqul Islam, "Bhimroti" is a satire.
An initiative of some enthusiastic young theatre lovers, Aboyob Natyadal started its journey in 1997. A practitioner of mainstream theatre, the troupe's noteworthy productions include "Jalpori," "Baidyanir Gaan," "Karna Kotha," "Bhimroti" and others.
The festival ends tomorrow.