Ordinary people often find themselves oppressed by those in power, with revolution as their only recourse. Yet, despite the upheaval, the plight of the commoners rarely changes. Against such a grim backdrop, George Orwell's "Animal Farm" was born—a literary masterpiece that lays bare the cyclical nature of tyranny. Today, Prachyanat School of Acting and Design will bring this iconic allegory to life on stage in Dhaka. The 47th batch of Prachyanat School of Acting and Design students will perform "Animal Farm" at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. 

The classic Orwellian allegory has been adapted and directed for stage by Jaganmoy Paul. The play will be preceded by the certificate-giving ceremony of the 47th batch starting at 6:30pm. The entry pass can be collected at the entrance of the Shilpakala Academy.

For more than two decades, Prachyanat School has shaped the landscape of Bangladesh's theatre, producing skilled performers and cultivating a vibrant artistic community. As the 47th batch concludes its training, they will receive their certificates in a special ceremony before the performance. Esteemed guests include educator and theatre artist Samina Luthfa Nitra and writer Firoz Ahmed, who will address the audience before the students stage "Animal Farm".

Orwell's timeless story unfolds on a farm ruled by the oppressive Mr Jones, whose cruelty knows no bounds. The farm's animals, led by the elderly and wise pig Old Major, are driven to revolution. Old Major dreams of a world where animals are free from human oppression—where they are equal and live without fear of tyranny. Shortly after his passing, his dream becomes reality. 

The animals overthrow Mr Jones, led by two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, and take over the farm. But as Napoleon seizes power, the hope for freedom quickly erodes. Napoleon's leadership mirrors that of their former human oppressor: food rations get cut, working hours extended, and disobedience punished with brutal force. Dissatisfaction bubbles among the animals, who now see that their revolution has brought about little change in their lives.

In addition to the performance, there will be a poster exhibition outside the auditorium, adding an artistic dimension to the event. The production is helmed by director Jaganmoy Paul, with a talented cast and crew. Shishir Roy plays Old Major, while Hridoy Ghosh Rajib and Kazi Tanzib Ahsan Tawhid alternate in the role of Napoleon. Tapas Sarkar takes on the role of Snowball, and the duplicitous Squealer is portrayed by both Adnan Bulbul and Shamsur Rahman Sabuj. Noman Ahmed embodies Boxer, the stalwart workhorse, while Anusua Chakraborty portrays Clover. Shaon Das Anand appears as Molly and Atanu Mallik plays the cynical Moses.

The ensemble cast brings to life a wide array of animals, including cattle, pigs, hens, and sheep. The play's stage design, executed by Swati Bhadra and Tapas Sarkar Rudra, reflects the stark world of Orwell's dystopia, while Mokhlesur Rahman's lighting design underscores the play's dramatic tone. Costume design, headed by Jesmin Jahan Jhuma and Noor E Jannat Orisha, complements the thematic elements, while the evocative score, arranged by Charles Chowdhury, with assistance from Jerome Progya Modhu and Jessica Jacinta Chiran, enhances the play's emotional impact.

Behind the scenes, the production is overseen by supervisors Shatabdi Wadud and Sahana Rahman Sumi. Stage management is led by Mahfuz Ahmad and Jessica Jacinta Chiran, ensuring a seamless performance. The event's documentation is handled by Monjurul Alam, preserving this landmark production for posterity.

This performance of "Animal Farm" stands as both a graduation showcase and a testament to the enduring relevance of Orwell's critique of power and corruption. It is a play that invites its audience to reflect on the timeless struggles between authority and freedom, rebellion and repression, in a world where, as Orwell warned, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

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