Chittagong University-based theatre troupe Ethora on Friday premiered their play ‘Droher Rakta-kadam’ depicting a monsoon revolution at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
With minimal dialogues, Droher Rakta-kadam utilises the movements of pantomime theatre in its symbolical depiction of the brutal killings perpetrated during the July uprising in 2024.   Â
The play begins with a clown show depicting a king living a sumptuous life and tyrannises his subjects who at the end revolt to finally overthrow him. Â
Using different forms of visual art, including posters of the July uprising, paintings and videos, at the background the troupe’s 10 performers highlight the play’s theme, creating diverse images with minimum props and costumes.
The performers of the play include Jarin Akter Noshni, Sumaiya Tabassum, Rashif bin Fahim, Partha Sen, Tanzila Akter and Shariar Shakil. Stage design and music are credited to Indrojit Shil and light to Aslam Uddin.  Â
‘The play uses non-lyrical music and expressionist lights. It’s a performance with the characters having no dialogue, portraying the monsoon revolution that aimed at establishing a discrimination-free country,’ playwright Era Ahmed said, adding that the brutal killings by the government during the protests raised the question anew on the state’s role in terms of freedom of speech.
The play premiered as part of the ‘Remembering Monsoon Revolution’ programme organised with support from the cultural affairs ministry.
