Timeless appeal of "Romeo and Juliet"

The maiden production of IUB had several memorable moments. Who can forget the scene where Juliet debates whether or not to take poison? Or the somber candlelight vigil near her 'dead' body. Or for that matter the sepulchral music in the last scene when Romeo and Juliet lie in everlasting sleep?

Explaining the choice of the play, director Sydur Rahman Lipon, who teaches drama at the Theatre and Music Department of Dhaka University, says, "Romeo and Juliet has a timeless appeal. The love story depicts the social conflict between two families. Even today we confront this situation. Moreover, in our conservative society, we are not allowed to mix freely with the opposite sex."

What about the criticism that Romeo and Juliet fades in comparison to the great bard's other immortal works, Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth and Othello? "I love the play. I was sure that students will be able to identify with the characters," says Lipon.

Another refreshing facet is the music, ranging from modern, to western classical to Oriental. Explains Omer Aiaz Ony, music director, "The aim was not just for a purely Oriental or modern production, but rather a fusion." Thus scenes are embellished with a little of the great composer Beethoven and Kitaro, a Japanese musician, among others. Kitaro holds the stage at the final scene when gloom descends on the gathered people.

Likewise, the dance sequence is managed well -- to the credit of Sareeta Haider, dance choreographer and a student of IUB. "I have not presented a conventional ballet or western social dance. Rather I have incorporated dances such as salsa, flamenco -- you could call it contemporary fusion," she says.

Notable performances were those of Romeo (Shofiq Shameen Abir), Juliet (Afsana Sarmin Tumpa), Romeo's friends -- Mercutio (Kazi Adnan Manzurul Huq) and Benvolio (Mahmud Al Mamun Bhuiya), while the overall acting could have been better. Likewise, there was room for improvement in the set and costumes.

The sponsor of the play was HSBC.

Despite being an oft repeated dramatic work, to date Romeo and Juliet continues to be a staple of high school and university English classes. And the production has given a boost to IUB as it presages a drama club to be set up, as maintained by Vice Chancellor Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury.