The tradition of staging Tagore’s plays in Bangladesh

With an intention to stage plays by Rabindranath Tagore, as a regular theatrical practice, a theatre troupe emerged in Bangladesh seven years ago. The troupe, Prangane Mor, made its debut through the play “Shyama Prem,” an adaptation of the Tagore dance-drama “Shyama.” The troupe is the brainchild of actor-directed Ananta Hira. Hira directed “Shyama Prem” as well. His fascination with everything Tagore inspired him to take the initiative.
On the eve of Tagore's death anniversary, Hira talked about the ongoing tradition of staging Tagore plays in Bangladesh.
In the past seven years Prangane Mor has worked tirelessly, and has staged five productions. Of these, three are based on Tagore's works -- “Shyama Prem,” “Swadeshi” and “Rakto Karobi.” Nuna Afroz directed the latter two. Hira performed in all three plays.

Hira also performed in four more Tagore plays, including three Nagarik productions (he is a former member of Nagarik). The Nagarik plays are “Achalayatan,” directed by Aly Zaker; “Muktodhara,” directed by Khaled Khan and “Rother Roshi,” directed by Abul Hayat.
The artiste feels that Tagore's presence in Bangladeshi theatre is inadequate. “Considering the history of Bangladeshi theatre, few Tagore plays have been staged over the years. Perhaps, some feel that Tagore's works are complex. That, however, is a misconception,” Hira said.
“There are many theatre troupes across the globe who exclusively stage plays by Shakespeare or Ibsen. Why can't we have troupes who would particularly stage Tagore plays?” asked Hira.
Hira believes that the volume of Tagore's work is so opulent, there would never be a shortage of ideas and material.
Tagore's mastery has always inspired Hira. Though he has been familiar with Tagore's literature since childhood, the artiste said that his fondness received a boost when he was a member of the troupe Nagarik. “Nagarik made a great impact on my impressions of Tagore. The troupe has so far staged five Tagore plays,” said Hira.
Last year Hira's troupe organised an eight-day festival featuring only Tagore plays. According to Hira, the festival was the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Troupes from Bangladesh and India staged plays at the festival.
Hira plans to celebrate Tagore's 150th birth anniversary with a grand festival. He said that at least five Indian troupes would be invited to the festival, where they would have premieres of their productions. Bangladeshi troupes would stage their productions at the festival as well.
He also informed that his troupe would most likely stage its new play at the festival. The play, titled “Robi O Nari,” will feature female protagonists created by Tagore. “The play will be an interpretation of how Tagore saw women in his writings at different ages,” said Hira, who wants to direct the play.
According to Hira, Tagore’s works remarkably address human psyche. His works are universal and their appeal would never fade. Hira ended the conversation with two questions, “Why do we celebrate the bard only on his anniversaries? Can't we celebrate him everyday, within ourselves?”