Once again, a new and unknown troupe has surprised me with an alarming, powerful production that restores faith in Bengali theatre’s future and makes a critic’s life worth living. Shoulder […]
KOJAGARI | VAIJAYANTIKA Read More »
Some productions can be appreciated even if one does not follow the language used. However, Begum Barve by Pune’s Theatre Academy (at Nandikar‘s National Theatre Festival, December 9) depends so
With International Women’s Day still within short-term recall, it seems relevant to spotlight two current all-female Bengali plays, each featuring nine actresses, making them rare productions in Bengali theatre. Both
GAYNAR BAKSA | KHANDAHAR Read More »
Over two months, around 400 Indian groups selected for the Eighth international Theatre Olympics are crisscrossing the country, performing in 17 cities. The logistics and finances involved boggle the mind,
THE JOURNEY OF SORROW | A FAR CRY | KEISHUMSHANG-GEE NUPI | BRAHANNALAI Read More »
Last week I cited the mega-statistics of the Theatre Olympics. Today I discuss the foreign entries that I saw. But before that, some general criticism. First, to point out the
Adapted into Bengali from Slovenian dramatist Evald Flisar’s Take Me into Your Hands by director Amitava Dutta. Set in an old bookshop, about the love of books.
Ganakrishti’s Tomar Ami, at University Institute Read More »
Premiere of Ganakrishti’s Tār Pratikshāy. Beckett’s Waiting for Godot translated into Bengali. Directed by Amitava Dutta. Followed by the award of their Dharani Ghosh Smriti Samman.
Ganakrishti’s Tar Pratikshay Read More »
The Maimansingha Gitikā (more accurately Palagan, the performance genre to which they belong), form the source for two invigorating Bengali productions. Naye Natuya’s eponymously-titled show has even made it to
MAIMANSINGHA GITIKA | BUKJHIM EK BHALOBASA Read More »
Original Indian drama in English offered two excellent visiting exemplars recently, their content and style at completely opposite poles. Nilanjan Choudhury’s The Square Root of a Sonnet, by Centre for
THE SQUARE ROOT OF A SONNET | SHIKHANDI Read More »
Traumatic incidents that saturate the daily news have found their way into Bengali domestic drama. Besides, not only does Oihik’s new play, Like Comment Share, bear an unusual title that
LIKE COMMENT SHARE | ASRAY Read More »
Rangakarmee’s studio theatre, Binodini Keya Mancha, began hosting programmes regularly this year, offering an alternative venue for groups willing to experiment. It recently presented the Kolkata debut of a young
RUPCHAN SUNDARIR PALA | ATMAJ | MAYAR CHHAYA PATHE Read More »
Broadway blockbusters that ran for over 1000 shows half a century ago staged a comeback in local hands recently. However, the fact that popularity has no bearing on lasting relevance
THE TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON | TUM BIN …! Read More »
