JU students stage Hargoj

A scene from the play Hargoj

Written and directed by prominent writer Professor Selim Al Deen, the play was staged recently at theatre lab 3 in the proposed Zahir Raihan auditorium. The play focuses on the devastating tornado that shattered Horgoj, a thriving region of farmers in Manikganj, killing hundreds of people and damaging a large part of the area.

The curtains go up when an aid-team from Sheba Help Centre arrives at a tornado-hit village and continues with a horrific depiction of the deceased hanging from trees or entangled with boats. Through the rescue operation, protagonist Abid reaches a surreal world. Beneath the surface of this depiction, there is an indirect portrayal of mass killing, which ultimately indicates a world on the brink of destruction.

"A distinct philosophy of the universe might have inspired me to write," said dramatist Selim Al Deen.

The set design was impressive while the music struck a responsive chord among the spectators. Though many of the actors were not at ease, Naomi Kamrun Bidhu performed spontaneously. Anuja Chanda played superbly on her keyboard while her vocals added a different flavour to the play.