In fact, Chena Gayer Kissa features an undesired reality of the country: widespread corruption in the polity. This phenomenon is rooted in the inability of the helmsmen to evaluate a lawmaker properly. According to Bakar's play, MP candidates are not evaluated on the basis of their talent, knowledge and rationality but rather on muscle power. After the victory, even more corrupt persons are selected as cabinet members. That is why Iman Ali, an MP, is not selected as a cabinet member, as he has a record of only eight murders with the police station, however, this years standard is set for a minimum 12.

As the whole system is corrupt, these so-called politicians enhance muscle power, cheating and oppression. As the sub-plot of the play, internal clashes between the political parties have been focused.

Chena Gayer Kissa, an Anushilon Natya Dal production, was staged at the Experimental Theatre Stage on March 9. The troupe from Rajshahi staged the play as part of the ongoing National Theatre Festival arranged by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

However, there is room to develop the presentation style of the theatre performance. Some of the devices to portray the evil-- gangsters singing Hindi film songs of the 1980s, a superintendent of police exchanging cigarettes with political cadres -- are stereotyped. And most of the directorial lines are centred on the middle stage. Huge 'blank spaces' between the sequences is a hurdle for the smooth transition.

Faiz Zahir's use of painted curtains to create the ambience of a living room of an old house is not effective as a set element; rather it appears as ornamental. Even the light design done by Zahir needs to be improved.

SM Abu Bakar in the role of Iman Ali gave a bold performance. Saki Farzana in the role 'Lady' was quite impressive. The other artistes should refine their acting skills to put up an even better production.