Binodini Dasi -- A woman ahead of her times
Shimul Yousuff played the role of Binodini Dasi who was born in 1863 in Kolkata. This extraordinary woman was gifted with a genius and talent that astounds one considering that she lived a 130 years ago. For a woman to be on the stage in those times appears unbelievable. She made her first performance at the age of about 12 on the National Theatre Stage as Draupadi's companion. She acted in no less than 80 stage shows, representing 90 characters. She received great acclaim even from the English newspapers who described her as "the flower of the native stage", "prima-donna of the Bengali Stage" and again as "moon of the Star Theatre Company".
The play is drawn from the life of Binodini Dasi as she recorded it. Her dialogues are beautifully composed and charged with a marvelous mixture of reality and emotion. The play has been written by Simon Zakaria and competently directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff. The music was composed by Shimul Yousuff and ably rendered by her as well. She was supported by Chandan Chowdhury, Mahmudur Rahman Shabo and Shanta Chowdhury. The set design by Kamaluddin Kabir and light design by Ishrat Nishat is commendable. The 90- minute performance by Shimul received the master-handling of a very competent actress. Her clear diction, voice control and composed measured movements were of high calibre. The use of different coloured costumes depicting different personalities was quite apt. Her voice for male and female personalities was effectively presented.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Nasiruddin Yousuff has used some methodology of the Kabuki stage in some parts in order to dramatise the scene, and at other times Odissi dance stances to provide lyrical expressions in movement. The use of Indian classical dance forms were used by Shimul at moments of highly charged expression of fear and tragedy which Binodini experienced, while folk elements of Bengal were used in lighter moments.
The play Binodini was developed over a long time by Simon Zakaria under the guidance and consultation of Saleem Al Deen and Nasiruddin Yousuff. But it is to the credit of Shimul Yousuff that she could carry the performance to such heights.
The story of Binodini carries a strong feminist element, as this unique woman had the determination to follow her heart and mind to achieve her goal 130 years ago. Starting with a salary of Rs 5 and Rs 10 per month, she became a professional and was paid even Rs 500 at one point. Though she came to realise that she was an asset to every company she joined, her employers would not allow her to be a partner in the lucrative business. This happened finally at a crucial point when she became so popular that audience raved about her. She had hoped that she would be taken in as a partner in the Star Theatre Company, but this was not to be, as male self-interest and domination of her employers denied her a rightful position. Her disappointment in love too, was the result of two men in her life exploiting her for their own ends.
Her story was so well depicted by Shimul Yousuff that one could empathise with the real Binodini as one watched Shimul move from episode to episode on stage.
Kudos to the whole team of Dhaka Theatre who gave the Dhaka audience a high quality performance. This kind of excellent play should receive exposure beyond Bangladesh borders.
The author is a well-known litterateur and playwright