Bonopangshul -- a theatrical display of an oppressed tribe

In this play, the playwright Selim-Al-Deen emerges as an anthropologist.

"Bonopangshul" is the tale of an infamous, decaying tribe named "Mandai" living in the forest of the greater Mymensingh region. The tribal people are neither Hindu nor Pagan. They belong to the "Koch" community. Shiva is their supreme god, but they are the believers of transcendentalism.

The play portrays the real life-- culture, heritage and rituals of the community who were oppressed for many years by the "Bangalee" community. However, the aim of the play is not to show the communal conflict, but to show the resurrection of the oppressed tribal people.

The direction of the play is simply excellent. Nasiruddin Yousuf has won the best director award for the play. He has introduced a new dimension in the case of direction.

The huge vertical set is also exceptional. It almost covers the area from the stage to the entrance of the hall room. The audience sits at both sides of the set. The designer, Kamal Pasha Chaudhury, has adequately created the atmosphere of the forest using suggestive techniques.

Light designers, Munir and Ripon, have supported the director well. However the lighting and acting cues are not well coordinated.

The audience expects this type of quality show from the renowned Dhaka Theatre, to create sensible, aware and good audience.