Char Duar : a tale of a middle class family struggle
The playwright has portrayed a middle class family picture from a different angle. His feminist tone is not a conventional one. In his canvas, there are four characters--a mother and her three daughters. He has expressed some internal and external problems, some struggles which the women belonging to middle-class families face and are never treated as gender issues. The women revolt against the society, men and tradition from their own position. Though the feelings are their own, they have a universal effect. However, to some extent some parts of the play are exaggerated which is not expected in a realistic play like this.
The guest director Meghnad Bhattacharya's approach is totally realistic and has truly supported to deliver the message of the play. On the stage he has adequately created a middle-class family atmosphere. Though all the actions of the play takes place inside the house, it is not at all monotonous.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Set-designer Debashis Majumdar has done an amazing work on the stage. His realistic interior-design is so perfect that the audience feel as if they are enjoying a TV play. The suggestion of a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom and all sorts of household materials are present on the set.
As regards Badal Das's light designing, the best parts are visibility and texture. He has adequately handled the zones. However, more symbolism could have been used for composition.
All the players on stage have maintained the same standard and have acted spontaneously. Voice modulation of Bijoylaksmi Barman and Manasi Sinha is exceptional. Meghna Lahiri as Baijanti has successfully expressed the inner sadness of a beautiful housewife whose husband is handsome but worthless. Soumen Mukhopadhyay as Srikanta has fulfilled the thirst of the audience. Whenever he has appeared, he has proved his mastery as a performer. The play will leave an imprint in the mind of the audience for a long time.