Udichi (Drama Department) production, Bou Bashonti at the Experimental Theatre Stage on June 30, includes common characters of a village such as a feudal lord, two thieves, peasants, village maidens, a tailor and others. The protagonist of the play is a radio. Through the dialogues as well as the radio broadcast, the playwright Ratan Siddiqui has recreated the world of the rural Bangladeshis who did not actively participate in the Liberation War.

When the freedom struggle starts, the usual activities like marriage, love and stealing do not change; the total structure of the village changes. A village fraud, who has turned into a Pakistani collaborator, strives to become the village leader. The play ends with the restoration of stability in the village just after the war.

Azad Abul Kalam, through his outstanding directorial works, has presented the play from a different angle by dwelling on the psychological element during the war.

By showing a tailor making flags in the opening and closing scene, he tries to capture the dream of the common people. In the opening scene by showing three Pakistani flag and one Bangladeshi flag with the National anthem of Pakistan he turns the spotlight on that dream of freedom. Furthermore, at the end of the play, the director indicates our lack of patriotism after the Independence.

Azad has used masks for his players. The aim is to represent a total community by using a few artistes. By the doll- like movement of the artistes, he indicates that the common Bangladeshi villagers are always dominated by the urban way of life. By changing the pace of movements of the artistes, he successfully creates the atmosphere of a scene akin to traditional Japanese Theatre.

Using some painted nets in the backstage, set designer M.Shaiful Islam successfully portrays life in rural Bangladesh.

M Shaiful Islam as the light designer was equally successful. His light compositions could create the dramatic mood of the play.

The artistes could not, however, maintain the standard of the play. Some of the players even tried to imitate the renowned theatre artistes of the country.

'Positive response of theatre goers is noteworthy'--Saiful Islam Mahmud
Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Siaful Islam Mahmud is the President of Mahakal Natyasampradaya. The co-convenor of the Dhaka Drama Festival-2004, Mahmud said, 'Due to some unexpected delay, we could not arrange the festival in time. The rainy season is not ideal time for drama festival. However, we are really pleased to see the response of the audience in each show.'

He is playing the role of the controller in every show. 'The convenor and other responsible persons of the festival are busy with the other things related to the festival, however, I come here to manage everything during the shows. I monitor the volunteers, face the press and the try to solve the unexpected problems created in the hall.'

'We are facing a few problems here. As the theatre hall is on the second floor and there is no lift, the organiser as well as the participating groups have to give extra labour,' Mahmud added.

In conclusion, Mahmud said that after the festival the number of theatre goers would register an increase.

Ershad Kamol