Fundraiser
Chondalika: A treat for Tagore fans
Cultural Reporter
On April 18, Chondalika--one of Rabindranath Tagore's later works-- will be staged at the National Theatre Stage at 7 pm. The dance-drama, a fundraiser for Chayyanaut, is adapted from a Buddhist legend. The work touches on the sensitive issue of caste and untouchability within the Hindu society and the harmonising role of Gautam Buddha's teachings. The other element in the play is the relationship between Prokriti, a young girl from the untouchable class and Buddha's disciple Anondo. After many twists and turns, the conclusion sees the victory of Tagore's heroine. There is a subtle difference between the Buddhist legend and Tagore's drama. The former heralds the triumph of Buddha's teachings, In the latter, it is Prokriti's eternal love which gives her the courage to turn aside the monk, bewitched by her beauty--through her mother's witchcraft. A talented team will stage Chondalika. There's Sharmila Bandyopadhyay as dance director, Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya as music director, while the play is produced by Shadhona. Tickets are available at Jatra (Banani), Dolce Vita (Mirpur), Sagar Publishers (Bailey Road) and at Papyrus (Shahbagh).
|
Sharmila Bandyopadhyay (L) and Lubna Marium in the dance-drama |
