Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble's latest production

A scene from Khanchar Bhitor Achin Pakhi

In fact, the main goal of the sub-genre 'Restoration Comedy' is to mock society. Such comedies are usually light plays, rather amusing, and deal with contemporary life and manners and are known for their sexual explicitness. These features went along with a diminishing influence of traditional institutions such as religion and the aristocracy and the rise of new institutions.

Khanchar Bhitor Achin Pakhi also mocks the male- dominated society. Like the 'Restoration Comedy', he creates a fantasy world in the play, and focuses on the lewd behaviour of the males. Jamal's Khanchar Bhitor Achin Pakhi (the unknown captive) is a beautiful young lady who is not allowed to go outside by her husband Moulana Abul Kalam, who misuses religion for personal interest and practices polygyny. Other people also attracted by her beauty covet her without regard for her desires. As the sub-plot of the play, Jamal has focused on anarchy of the evil politicians.

As the director of the play Jamaluddin's approach is realistic. The set resembled the interior of a house.

Actors apart from Zahir Khandokar, Tapas Saha and Chanchal Saikat need to finetune their theatrical skills to make the comedy more interesting. Tapas Saha in the role of a passionate poet gave a noteworthy performance.

Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble staged Khanchar Bhitor Achin Pakhi at the Experimental Theatre Stage on August 5.