Socrates-er Jobanbondi is adapted from Apologia Sokratous (Defense of Socrates) by Plato. Here philosopher Socrates encounters the dilemmas of democracy.

The 50th show of Socrates-er Jobanbondi, adapted by Shishir Kumar Das, was staged at the Experimental Theatre Stage on June 10.

The trial of Socrates was held in the spring of 399 BC. The defendants, three members of the elite class, Anytus, Melenus and Policrates, falsely accused Socrates -- who always lampooned ignorance, intellectual pretension and arrogance through his philosophy. Apparently, he had misled the younger generation and in the process had committed blasphemy. 501 Athenians had to vote to choose between the two punishments offered by the prosecution and the defendants, which was a mockery of democracy.

Plato, a direct disciple of Socrates, witnessed the trial and indexed the proceedings.

Through the conflict between an individual and state, in Socrates-er Jobanbondi, adapter Shishir has depicted the misuse of democracy, which pushes a nation towards a police state.

A panel of directors have backed Socrates-er Jobanbondi. Typical Brechtian directorial style has been followed. In the first part of the play, conflict and action have been maintained, however, in the second half, the play lost its pace.

Hasan Shahriar's set design is simple. A few stools have been used as the set of the play. A general light wash was projected throughout the play.

Ali Mahmud, through his voice modulation and bold appearance on stage, has perfectly presented the eloquence of Socrates. His gestures are perfect for a man in his 70s. Nehal Ahmed, Hasan Shahriar and Ahsan Habib were impressive. However, Josh Zaidy, Moin Ahmed and Piklu Bakshi seemed to over act in the play.