Bhubaneswar: Theatre lovers were in for a double treat on the fourth evening of the 28th National Kalinga Natya Mahotsav, organised by Shatabdira Kalakar at Rabindra Mandap.
A Bengali and a Hindi play lit up the stage on Monday, leaving the audience spellbound.
‘Maya Mridanga’ Strikes an Emotional Chord
The evening opened with the Bengali play Maya Mridanga, adapted from a novel by Syed Mustafa Siraj. Directed and adapted for the stage by Rakesh Ghosh, the production was presented by DumDum Shabdomugdho Naatyokendra from West Bengal.
The play delves deep into the emotional labyrinth of ‘Chhokra’, a performer in ‘Alkaap’, a fading folk tradition of West Bengal. In an era when women were barred from the stage, young boys aged six or seven were groomed—body and soul—to portray female roles. These boys, known as ‘Chhokra’, often grew up grappling with their own identities.
The narrative revolves around Jhaksu, a celebrated Ustad of an Alkaap troupe. Despite having three wives, he harbours deep affection for his Chhokra, Shanti. In a fit of jealousy, his younger wife Gangamoni forces herself upon Shanti. When Jhaksu witnesses the incident, the humiliated Shanti flees, leaving heartbreak in his wake.
Parallelly, another Alkaap troupe in Saotapara features Subarno, a gifted Chhokra admired by many but devoted to his mentor Sanatan. While Sanatan exploits him, his heart still yearns for Sudha, his former lover. When Subarno learns of Sanatan’s intention to marry Sudha, his world comes crashing down.Fate brings Jhaksu and Subarno together at Rangamaati during a performance.
Both brilliant artistes, both emotionally scarred. Jhaksu attempts to create new music with Subarno, but the latter, battling inner demons, takes a drastic step.
From curtain rise to final blackout, the play unfolded like an emotional whirlwind. Rakesh Ghosh’s nuanced direction and the cast’s compelling performances ensured the production hit all the right notes.
On the stage: Shyamsis (Jhaksu), Rakesh Ghosh (Sanatan), Soumen (Chandramohan), Apurba (faizal), Aninda (Shanti), Krishanu (Kalachand), Manas (Bhanumati), Sandeep (Kedar), Sampad (Anis), Sanjay (Doctor), Abhisekh (Amir), Krishna (gangamuni), Namita (Mezo), Poulami (Sudha), Moumita (Baro), Debabrata (Chorouos) and Ranjan (Subarno)
Off the stage: Music: Rabindranath, Lalan, Abhijit, Anirban, Sanatan, Light: Arun Kumar, Lyric: Dhananjay and Rakesh, Makeup: Nandita and Indrahim, Costume: Ranjan, Sound: Bandan, Choreography: Rakesh and Aninda and Stage design: Neel Koushik
Over the years, DumDum Shabdomugdho Naatyokendra, established in 2006, has carved a niche for itself with thought-provoking productions staged across West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Dignitaries Grace the Occasion
Following the first performance, a brief ceremonial session was held. Among those present were Culture Department Special Secretary Debaprasad Dash, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Chandra Sekhar Hota, former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra and music director Laxmikant Palit, who lit the ceremonial lamp. The group’s president Dr Gourahari Das and secretary Dhira Mallick were also present on the stage.
On the occasion, journalist Prashant Paikray, Odissi dancer Bipanchi Das and journalist Ranjana Nayak were honoured with the ‘Shatabdira Kalakar Samman’.
‘Sandhya Tara’ Holds Up a Mirror to Society
The second play of the evening, ‘Sandhya Tara’, was staged by Masoom Art Group from Jharkhand. First performed in Daltonganj in 2004, the 75-minute production gives voice to elderly parents left to fend for themselves.
The story centres on Tara Shankar Chatterjee and his wife Sandhya, an ageing couple with three grown-up children. Ratan, the eldest, is an engineer settled away from home. Rekha, their married daughter, seldom visits. The youngest, Chhotu, is a leftist leader.
A sudden turn of events brings the children back under one roof. However, when it comes to taking responsibility for their parents, petty squabbles erupt. In a shocking move, they decide to “divide” their parents among themselves.
The play delivers a hard-hitting message: parents must not only strive to secure their children’s future but also prepare for their own second innings.
The production struck a raw nerve, with thunderous applause greeting every blackout.
On the stage: Shaikat Chattopadhyay, Munmun, Gulshan, Abhinash, Amar, Kanak, Lala, Kamrup and Raj Pratik
Off the stage: Music: Raja Sinha, Light: Binay Chouhan, Stage: Sanjit Prajapati, Makeup: Kamrup Sinha, Costume: Amar Bhanj, Stage management: Raj Pratik, associate: Talib, Satish, Ashna and Rudra
