Theatre Art Unit stages “Chhayachakra”
November 19, 2009
Theatre Art Unit staged an adaptation of Ibsen’s “Ghosts” at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on November 17. Adapted by Mohammad Bari, the play was directed by Rokeya Rafique Baby.
This adaptation of “Ghosts” highlights the psychological state of the characters. Whereas, an earlier adaptation of the same play at the festival, by BSA, in the ‘Kushan Gaan’ form, was a narrative. Baby’s direction prioritises the ups and downs in the characters’ lives.
The story of “Chhaya-chakra” highlights the penultimate day of Mrs. Almas’ life with her husband’s family. Her only son Walid comes back home after finishing his studies from abroad. Tragically Walid falls for Rosy, an illegitimate daughter of his father.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Almas wanted to keep Walid away from the bad influences of her husband. When she talks about Walid’s affair, it sounds like her ultimate defeat to her husband.
A bemused Mrs. Almas finally burns down all of her husband’s property, which she initially wanted to donate for a noble cause and makes a journey for unknown. Rosy escorts her.
The director pointed out that the production is designed to make the characters play freely and to use the space from different directions. The play features the use of masks to demonstrate ghostly appearance. Baby has used the mingling of set, music and light to create a face-to-face contrast of past and present.
The director herself enacted the role of Mrs. Almas. Mohammad Bari played Monwar, a close family friend of the Almases. Fauzia Karim Anu as Rosy and Sujan as Walid were not particularly impressive. Salim Mahbub as Rosy’s father Akkas, who randomly used colloquial words throughout the play, enacted a shrewd character. Kamruzzaman Millat, as Almas’ shadowy presence, only appears a couple of times throughout the play.
Faiz Zahir was the set and light designer of the play. Selim Mahbub did the background music. Dipu and Shaju were in charge of props.
Today, two plays will be staged. Nagarik Natya Sampraday will stage “Opekkhaman” at the Experimental Theatre Hall at 5pm. Directed by veteran theatre personality Ataur Rahman, the play is an adaptation of Ibsen, Rabindranath Tagore and Syed Shamsul Haq’s works. At 7pm at the National Theatre Hall, Aarohan Theatre from Kathmandu, Nepal will stage “Mahan Shilpi” (adaptation of “The Master Builder”).
Source: thedailystar.net
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