Nagorik Natyasampradaya produces Mahabharata trilogy
Erashad Kamol
Nagorik Natyasampradaya is all set to stage a trilogy: Gandharir Abedon, Karna-Kunti Shangbad and Biday Obhishap from Rabindranath Tagore's Sanchoita. All the excerpts of the trilogy have been drawn from the Mahabharata, but Rabindranath Tagore has his own interpretation--all the central characters in the play express different aspects of the rationality of human beings. Moreover, the trilogy has an anti-war tone. On the theme of the trilogy, Ataur Rahman, the director of the play, says, "Structurally it is not a trilogy, but all the lyrical-plays deal with same issue--the fall of morality in human beings. The issue is contemporary. In contemporary global society we see the prevalence of lies, diplomacy and anarchy. Biday Abhishap deals with humanitarian issues. Gandharir Abedon introduces the conflict between truth and relationships. In this part, central character Gandhari raises her voice against the injustice of her sons. In the contemporary world we rarely protest against the evil deeds of our beloved. And the final part--Karna-Kunti Shonbad--portrays Karna as a hero, needed badly in contemporary society to fight against injustice. "All the lyrical-plays are written in verse form. The language is difficult. The theatrical presentation of lyrical-play is not easy. Voice modulation differs from mere recitation. I strive to present the verses through a wonderful juxtaposition of dialogue delivery and choreography," says Ataur. On the technical aspect of the trilogy, Ataur says, "To make the trilogy more theatrical, set designer M Saiful Islam, light designer Nasirul Haque Khokon and music composer Khaled Khan will assist me. Light designer Khokon will support the directorial composition through symbolic colour effects. Set designer Saiful has designed a stylish set for the proscenium arch and Khaled Khan is composing music based on some classics for the trilogy." Trilogy is the 37th production of Nagorik. So far, the troupe has produced five Tagore plays of which Ataur Rahman directs two. Trilogy adds one play more to Tagore's productions of the group. Nagorik Natyasampradaya stages Trilogy on February 13 at the National Theatre Stage.
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