Raarang does Bangladesh proud

Actors of Aranyak Natya Dal in a dramatic scene from Raarang

Raarang was a part of the ongoing 8th Theatre Utsav 2006 arranged by the National School of Drama (NSD). Bangladeshi troupe Aranyak Natya Dal staged Raarang on the third day of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (January 4) at Abhimanch Auditorium, NSD campus.

Mamunur Rashid's play depicts the story of oppression on the Santals, an indigenous group, since the Partition. Raarang -- a Santal word meaning battle cry -- zeroes in on the struggle of the indigenous people in northern Bangladesh against feudalism and religious bigotry. Through the true story of Alfred Shoren, the playwright has portrayed their plight effectively. However, the ‘battle cry’ fails in the face of treachery by some interested quarters. To present an authentic picture of the Santal culture, traditional Santal songs have been used.

The director of the play, Mamun, unfolds the story through three narrators. While the good characters are portrayed with a realistic touch, the evil ones are distinguished by their childish and robotic traits.

Though ‘aashon’ (an open performing space where the audience sits on four sides of the set) is used when staging the play in Dhaka, in Delhi the troupe has used the space on the proscenium arch stage. Using colour effects, light designer Faiz has expressed the mood and tempo of the play.

Indian theatre personality Kuanrji Karwal, said, "This play has impressed me because it is an example of quality blending of Indian theatre traditions and Western theatre forms."

Aranyak Natya Dal staged another show in Delhi at the invitation of Impresso India, while Centre for Asian Theatre (CAT) has left for Bangalore to stage Sonai Bibir Pala at Satellite Theatre Festival.

Another attraction of the third day of the NSD theatre festival was Nine Hills One Valley, staged by Chorus Repertory Theatre, a Manipuri troupe. Allegorically the play Nine Hills One Valley features the tragic condition of Manipur today. Director Ratan Thiyam has wonderfully presented the play, which impressed the audience. It was a unique synchronisation of directorial lines, design and acting.

Other plays staged on January 4 were Hamlet, Sarhat Paar Manto and a multilingual production, Stations.