Bhubaneswar: The banquet hall of a star hotel here was transformed into a vibrant auditorium as 20 students of KIIT and KIIS staged Shakespeare’s three timeless classics-‘Hamlet’, ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in Santali language interspersed with English dialogues on June 17, winning hearts of theatre-loving viewers.
This was the same team-10 students from KIIT and 10 students from KIIS-that recently etched their names in the annals of theatre by becoming the first group to perform Shakespearean plays in the Santali language on foreign soil.
Their acclaimed performances at the World Shakespeare Theatre Festival, held in Romania, where around 3,000 students from 71 universities across 45 countries participated, earned them international recognition.
The event was graced by Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy as the chief guest, while former MP Niranjan Bishi, Cuttack Municipality Corporation (CMC) Mayor Subhas Singh, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey as distinguished guests. The dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the auspicious lamp.
KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta, KIIT Chancellor Ashok Kumar Parija and Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Saranjit Singh were also present on the dias.
The dignitaries applauded the students and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in the arts.
While the plays were 20-minute-long each, the first play staged was ‘Hamlet’, followed by ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
The first production, ‘Hamlet’, offered a fresh take on Shakespeare’s tragedy. The adaptation reimagines the existential weight of “to be, or not to be” dilemma through the lens of a devastating conflict between personal love and civic duty. Caught in a web of responsibility, Hamlet finds himself compelled to sacrifice his heart’s desire, leading to a tragic dissolution of his relationship with Ophelia.
In a striking departure from the original, this version elevates Ophelia’s perspective, giving her a stronger voice to confront event Shakespeare over the injustice of her fate. The result was a moving meditation on love, betrayal and the heavy price of responsibility.
Debanuj Majumdar, a student of Film and Television Production at KIIT, donned two hats as both director and actor and carried them off with remarkable ease. His seamless portrayal of Hamlet’s character made audiences forget they were watching a performer at work. Similarly, Adrika Sinjini, Kamalika Bag, Bishwarup Dutta, Sujatra Mukherjee and Dilip Srambutika also rose to the occasion, breathing life into characters of Ophelia, Gertrude, King Hamlet, Claudius and Ophelia’s father Polonius respectively.
The second play, Macbeth, turned the spotlight on Lady Macbeth, shifting the narrative focus from Macbeth’s ambition to her psychological unravelling. It acts as a mirror, reflecting a self that easily succumbs to perceived evil. It serves as a stark reminder that t how unchecked desire for power can become a double-edged sword, ultimately trapping its wielder in a prison of guilt and paranoia.
As Lady Macbeth’s conscience tightened its grip, the production painted a compelling portrait of moral decay and inner torment.
Directed by Adrika Sinjini, the play left the audience glued to their seats. The witches portrayed by Urmila Murmu, Lopamudra Kanti, Minimanati Jhodia, Rashmita Tambarbi, and Bishnupriya Nayak added an eerie dimension to the drama. While Smruti Das delivered a convincing performance as Lady Macbeth, Priyanshu Kumar as Macbeth, Debanuj Majumdar as Banquo and Kamal Mishra as Lady Macbeth’s reflection ensured a riveting viewing experience.
The last play of the evening was the adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Kamalika Bag. While retaining the themes of family rivalry and societal expectations, the adaptation dared to rewrite destiny. Instead of ending in heartbreak, love came out victorious, offering a narrative of hope entirely new to the classic Shakespearean tragedy.
While Priyanshu Kumar and Hemalata Nayak shone brightly as Romeo and Juliet, bringing emotional depth and sincerity to their performances, Sujatra Mukherjee, Bishwarup Dutta, Rashmita Tambarbi, Dilip Sambarika and Sanjana Singh lent a good support by portraying Mercutio, Benvolio, Lady Capulet, Lord Capulet and Friar Laurence respectively with a striking ease.
The stage design by Debanuj Majumdar, Kamalika Bag and Adrika Sinjini was minimalist yet effective. A simple black backdrop adorned with five Santali sarees created a visual identity rooted in indigenous culture.
While the lighting design occasionally fell short of expectations, the limitations of a banquet hall rather than a conventional proscenium theatre make this a forgivable shortcoming.
The music of the three plays need special mention. Traditional Santali musical instruments infused the performances with authenticity. The group comprised Dilip Srambutika on ‘Jhaanj’, Pintu Majhi on ‘Tumda’ and ‘Nisan’, Bipin Majhi on ‘Tasa’ and Ananta Angara on ‘Keyboard’ and ‘Voice Effect’. They worked in harmony to create moods that resonated deeply with the audience.
Although the storylines of the three classics plays are familiar territory, the troupe’s inventive storytelling, cultural reinterpretation and heartfelt performances left one and all rooted to their seats.
Next, the students will stage the trilogy in West Bengal on June 26.
