Raarang: A saga of oppression on ethnic minorities

Raarang, a Santal word meaning battle cry, depicts the strife of the impoverished Santals -- an indigenous community living in the northern part of Bangladesh -- against oppression, such as feudalism, bigotry and so on, imposed by the dominating Bengalis. Through the true story of Alfred Shoren, playwright Mamunur Rashid has portrayed an attempt at a revolution against discrimination. However, the 'battle cry' fails in the face of treachery of the Bengalis.

Faiz Zahir is the set and light designer of the play. Raarang, an Aranyak Natya Dal production, will be staged today at the Experimental Theatre Stage at 7 pm.

Theatre Art Unit stages Samayer Proyojone

Adapted by Mohammed Bari from Zahir Raihan's well-known short story Samayer Proyojone, the play is based on a concept that nothing in this world can be achieved by a premeditated mindset. Samayer Proyojone takes place at a camp in 1971 where the Freedom Fighters from different corners of the country have taken to arms against the Pakistani military regime and their collaborators. Reading the diary of a missing Freedom Fighter, named Mamun, his comrades try to analyse the logic behind their role in the war. They realise that it is neither leadership nor patriotism, rather the call of the times that have propelled them to fight for the nation.

Directed by Bari, Samayer Proyojone will be staged this evening at 7pm at the National Theatre Stage.