The six-day theatre festival organised by Drishtipat Natya Dal ended through staging of two plays on Friday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The troupe organised the festival in celebrating its 30th founding anniversary.
Eleven local and one Kolakata based troupe staged one production each at the festival that began on November 9, two days before anniversary date of the troupe. On the concluding day, local troupe Swapnadal staged Spartacus at the Experimental Theatre Hall while Kolkata-based troupe Kalyani Kalamandalam staged Manushi at the National Theatre Hall.
Swapnadal’s production Spartacus, based on American novelist Howard Fast’s novel having the same title, depicted the sacrifice story of the ancient Roman gladiator Spartacus who fought against the mighty Roman army to free him and other convicts from slavery.
Though Howard Fast’s novel depicts a series of tortures, wars and murders in life of the Roman hero Spartacus, Swapnodal’s production, directed by Zahid Repon, did not feature much action scenes onstage.
The director rather emphasised on narration. Spartacus appeared in the play in later parts recalling his friends and the war against Roman army.
His technique of unfolding the story appeared perfect in portrayal of sadist pleasures the Roman elites enjoyed watching crucifixion of Spartacus and his around 6,000 associates by the Roman army.
Kalyani Kalamandalam staged Manushi, a translated version of Italian playwright Dario Fo’s play A Woman Alone.
Translated by Ashim Das, the play features loneliness of a homemaker, who does not have anything to do except her household duties and takinh care of husband, baby and brother. The play was directed by Shantonu Das.
-With New Age input
