Theatre Factory to stage ‘Komola Rong er Bodh’ in honour of Jibanananda Das

On the 126th birth anniversary of Jibanananda Das, one of Bengali Literature's most revered figures, theatre group Theatre Factory is set to stage their latest production, "Komola Rong er Bodh". Written and directed by Alok Basu, the play draws inspiration from the poet's life and literary contributions.
Yesterday, the group hosted a special event at Room 6 of the Bangladesh Tennis Federation's temporary office, featuring recitations, readings from the play, and the unveiling of the official poster.
"We started rehearsals last November, and recently wrapped them up. We had hoped to bring it to the stage on the occasion of his 126th birth anniversary. We had also applied to Shilpakala Academy for a show and were fully prepared, but unfortunately, we couldn't secure a venue," shared the director.
"Now, we are planning the premiere in April. The play explores Jibanananda's time, his flashbacks, and his imagination in a mix of different elements. We believe this will give the audience a deep connection to the poet's essence," he added.
When asked why he chose Jibanananda Das as the focus of the play, Alok Basu explained, "After Tagore, Jibanananda Das stands as one of the greatest poets in Bengali literature. His works resonate with life and human struggles. Today's youth are curious about him. There is a place of pain in his writing that reflects human psychology. Three young people in the play seek to understand him, and through their journey, they cross paths with Jibanananda in his imaginative world. His struggles, failures, and posthumous success will unfold through this encounter."
He continued, "While Jibanananda achieved success only after his death, many live their entire lives grappling with failure, and this aspect will be explored in the play."
He further lamented the fact that Jibanananda Das has rarely been depicted in theatrical productions, saying, "It's a shame that no one has really brought Jibanananda to the stage. That's why I'm taking up the challenge. He lived a simple life, but it's difficult to capture him on stage. We've tried to highlight those overlooked aspects, presenting him in a new light."
The cast includes Dipu Mahmud, Arif, Bipasha Saif, Asha Akter, Mun Khan, K M Hasan, Diganta, Mrinmoy, Akleema Akter, Subhash Sarkar, and others.
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