Zahir Raihan's Samayer Proyojone staged

A scene from the play

The premiere show of Theatre Art Unit's 10th production Samayer Proyojone, adapted by Mohammed Bari, was staged at the Mahila Samity Stage on July 24.

Samayer Proyojone is set against the backdrop of a camp in 1971 where the freedom fighters from different corners of the country have taken to arms against the Pakistani military regime and the collaborators. Reading the diary of a missing freedom fighter, named Mamun, his comrades analyse the logic behind their role in the Liberation War. They realise that it is neither leadership nor patriotism, rather changed times that have propelled them to fight for the nation.

During the adaptation of the play, Mohammed Bari has fused many new elements to the original story by Zahir Raihan. Some of these go against the theme as well as the title of Raihan's short story.

Director Mohammed Bari has successfully recreated the historical ambiance (a camp in 1971) in the play. However, there are flaws in the pace of the play which failed to match with the theme. Moreover, choreography needs considerable improvement.

Set designer Kamaluddin Kabir has used ash coloured stools and layers as the set to create the ambience of a camp. His set design goes well with the theme of the play.

Light designer Nasirul Haque Khokon needs to pay greater attention to his medium. Selim Mahbub's music composition and Farida Aktar Lima's costumes are appropriate with the theme.

In her short appearance, Shimul Khan performed well. Selim Mahbub in the role of the commander and Prashanta Halder in the role of Mamun were impressive.

After the premiere show, special guests of the evening, theatre personalities Ataur Rahman and Nasiruddin Yousuff gave their feedback on the play.

Rahman said, "It is really difficult to make an instant comment on any art form. I liked a few parts of the play and I believe a few elements could be improved. I expected a stage play analysing the psyche of the people of 1971."

Yousuff said, "I really enjoyed the camp-scenes which reminded me of my experience of 1971. However, the family scene seemed melodramatic."