Tasher Desh - staged in Chittagong

The staging of Rabindranath Tagore's play "Tasher Desh" by students of Dramatics Department of Chittagong University (CU) captivated theatre aficionados of the port city on Tuesday.

Ashim Das, a noted theatre personality of Chittagong and also Assistant Professor of Dramatics Department of CU, planned and directed the play, staged at the packed auditorium of Theatre Institute, Chittagong (TIC). 

"Tasher Desh" is about a prince mired in the monotony of palace life. Joined by a fellow merchant, the prince embarks on a journey to discover the unknown and diversity of life.  They arrive in another kingdom where spontaneity is dead and strict laws make for a joyless existence. The prince brings spontaneity among the people and transforms the whole kingdom. 

Through "Tasher Desh", Tagore created a mirror on colonial rule in India. The dance drama is a satire on the rigidity of class systems, both Indian and British.

Director Ashim Das and artiste Tilottama Sengupta were the choreographers of the drama. The costumes, light and stage of the musical drama were also designed by the director. The play opened with the song "Khoro Bayu Boye Bege" choreographed by Tilottama Sengupta.

Abir Mondal enacted the role of the king. Shohidul Haque and Mamunul Hauque enacted the roles of prince and merchant respectively. Nazmul, Imran, Nishi, Shakila, Muslima, Nishigondha and Latifa were also among the cast.