Talented theatre actress and dancer Umma Habiba delivered a brilliant performance in "Marx in Soho", a recent play by prominent theatre troupe BotTola, in association with Jatrik.

Unlike many, her institutional learning arc is only four years old. She embodies passion, persistence, and a 'can-do' attitude.

She left audiences in awe with her body movements, without uttering a single word, throughout her two-hour performance in "Marx in Soho". "I am very chatty, so keeping quiet throughout the play was really difficult!" she laughed.

Photo: Shahariar Rafsan Tonmoy/Courtesy of Umma Habiba

She also practices Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance, but she struggles to prioritise those in her day-to-day life. "Dancing was never encouraged by my family. I didn't have the chance to learn it during my childhood, but I was fascinated by it."

It was during her second year as a student of World Religions and Culture in Dhaka University (DU) that her dancing took a sharp curve.

"Our team represented DU at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology's dance festival. I learned contemporary dance from YouTube, and choreographed a routine on the song 'Baba' by James. The performance was loved by many," she recalled. "Although I probably began learning dance late compared to others, it is never too late to learn."

Currently, she is learning contemporary dance from Tahnun Ahmedy and Bharatanatyam from Amit Chowdhury. "My gurus not only teach the ways of dancing, but the ways of living too. The confidence I have in dancing today is because of them," shared Habiba, who also teaches dance to children.

Reflecting upon her character Jenny in "Marx in Soho", Habiba said that as she was able to express through dance and body movements instead of dialogue, the scope of acting was much broader.

The director, Naila Azad, decided to mix concepts of German dancer Pina Bausch and Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, while Habiba co-designed the routine. "With Jenny, we intended to portray the struggles of a woman, irrespective of borders. I began to associate with the character more as we worked through the play," said Habiba.

The young actress intends to do more socially relevant work in the future. "I may not be able to change the world, but I intend to have an impact on my surroundings and inspire people through my artistic practices," she concluded.

The author is an art researcher and writer in the making. Email: priyanka.chowdhury@gmail.com.