Charuniram staged two Chekhov’s plays and another production where the Russian master playwright appears as a character on Saturday at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
In a single show, the troupe stages Bangla versions of two Chekhov’s plays – Nana Ranger Dinguli and Sharater Megh – and Arshola, a translation of The Lady of Luxpurlotion by American playwright Tennessee Williams.
It was the 50th show of the production styled as Anton Chekhov’s Plays with Chekhov.
To celebrate the great moment, the theatre hall was decorated with colourful flowers and candles.
A good number of viewers enjoyed the show that began with the staging of Arshola. Translated by Nirup Mitra, the play shows a house owner insisting her tenant to pay unpaid rent. The tenant, who happens to be a prostitute, always avoids the topic of rent with made-up stories.
At this point, a man, originally acted by Chekhov, comes to the tenant’s rescue with more interesting stories of dream and solace.
The second play of the production Nana Ranger Dinguli is a translation of Chekhov’s Sawn Song. Translated by Ajitesh Bandapaddhay the play features an aged theatre actor’s monologue. In his monologue, the drunk actor, in passionate words recounts his prime days on stage. Gazi Rakayat’s performance in the role of the aged actor’s role kept the audience gripped to the last minute.
Sharater Megh the last piece in the show is another translation of Chekhov’s The Bear by Ajitesh Bandapaddhay. The comedy features a love affair between a landowner and a widow.
All the three short plays have been directed by Gazi Rakayat.
Thespian Ataur Rahman and professor Abdus Selim, among others were among the audience as special guests. Both of whom praised the production.
‘For me, the Swan Song is a marvelous play. I do connect myself with the old actor’s nostalgia. Overall, the production was very good,’ said Ataur Rahman.
‘Rakayat is a wonderful director and actor. I really enjoyed the production,’ said Abdus Selim.
-With New Age input
