Tota Kahini mesmerises Chittagong audience

The play "Tota Kahini", staged by kids from Sonar Tari -- a cultural platform of Chittagong city's renowned alternative educational institute Fulki, drew full house at the auditorium of Theatre Institute, Chittagong (TIC) on Thursday.

Sonar Tari staged the playto pay homage to the country's eminent scientist Prof Emeritus Jamal Nazrul Islam -- who was also involved with the organsiation, on the eve of his second death anniversary. 

Penned by Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, the play allegorically uncovered how the existing education system of children: memorising, examinations and running towards success kills the inner innocence and creativity of children.

The whole auditorium remained at over-capacity with theatre enthusiasts, children and guardians in the two shows of the play, one held at 4:00pm while another at 6:00pm. 

Mubidur Rahman Sujat planned and directed the play. 

Uses of many popular Tagore songs like "Akash Bhora Surjo Tara" and "Aj Dhaner Khete" were worth mentioning.

"If we do not create proper environment for children, perhaps they would survive but their minds would dry up", said Fulki Principal Shila Momen after the staging of the play, adding that the Tagore's understanding is still relevant in the existing society.

Expecting regular shows from Sonar Tari, Md Masud, a member of the audience came with his family, said he was amazed to see the kids' performances. 

Earlier, a brief discussion was held where Poet Abul Momen and Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam's widow Suraya Islam spoke, among others.