Sangkranti by Arannyak

(L-R) Dilu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid, A Kha Ma Alamgir Chanchal Choudhury, Rupak Khandakar in a scene from the play Sangkranti

In Sangkranti the playwright Mamunur Rashid portrays the realistic scenario of the plight of village artistes known as "Shangs" living in the greater Mymensigh region. The aim of the playwright is to save this decaying art. The Shang artistes are general farmers, but the art they display has a unique quality and deserves a place in the history of drama. As we know that art is always a sharp weapon against oppressors, that is why the theme of this play is to show the struggle of the artistes against the oppressors. The playwright has given very good messages such as the Shangs caring interest for their art and instruments. At the same time, in this play we see a common feature of the feudal lords who always try to restrict the art using their evil power. However, in some sequences, sufferings of the Shangs seem to be exaggerated.

As usual, Mamunur Rashid shows his talent as a director in this play. The physical composition of the play is remarkable. It is, in fact, a typical direction by Mamunur Rashid. Set-design by Faiz Zahir is also very simple. A symbolic Shang in colourful torn and tattered cloth is used as the set. To create a realistic effect, real chairs have been used every now and then for composition. Thandu Rayhan, the light designer, is also successful in his efforts. However, in some scenes due to light designing, the expressions of the performers cannot be read and the symbolic colours that he has used are not up to the mark. Arannyak Natyadal always patronizes new talents. In this play also we see some promising young performers. We hope that Arannyak Nattyadal will continue to play an active role, with standard production in the coming days and play an active role in upholding the rural performing art.