BotTala Actors’ Studio premiered its children’s theatre production titled ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ at Naat Mandal of Dhaka University on Saturday.
‘Gulliver’s Travels’, a popular novel written by Jonathan Swift, was translated and adapted for the stage by Shammi Akhter. The play was designed and directed by Humayun Azam Rewaz.
The production was performed by children from the studio’s Abhinoye Hatekhori workshop’s fifth batch.
The play is set in a library where two readers talk about two books — Begum Rokeya’s utopian story ‘Sultana’s Dream’ and Jonathan Swift’s satirical novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. The book lovers narrate Gulliver’s journey and his experience of a series of strange and fantastical cultures.
Interrupted by a strong storm a ship lands on an imaginary island while the play describes the island as Bangladesh by portraying its diverse culture. With funny interaction and events with Gulliver and his team they depict their exciting journey.
Avro, Proma, Rizwan, Samigdha, Aritra, Jug, Sunrahiya, Nakshatra, Dhumketu, Prithvi, Pori, Nikita, Ahiyan, Rodela, Tanush and Hridip portrayed different characters for the play.
Humayun Azam Rewaz said that the Dhaka city was too unliveable for children, deterring their development and entertainment.
‘Children cannot participate in any event without their parents’ support. Cities make transport difficult for them and destroy almost all community spaces,’ Rewaz said, adding that BotTala wanted to stage the play in every community places.
BotTala founder Mohammad Ali Haider said that these workshops not only focused on gaining skills but also created a space for communication and built an art based-community.
Dhaka University sociology department professor and cultural activist Samina Luthfa said that without involving children, no change was possible and BotTala wanted to create an inclusive society by nurturing cultural activities.
