Savar-based theatre troupe Jagaroni staged the 50th show of its acclaimed production ‘Rajar Chithi’ at the national theatre hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Thursday.
The play, written by Mahfuza Hilali and directed by Dhaka-based theatre activist Debashish Ghosh, premiered in 2016.
Rajar Chithi dramatised the real-life story of Haridas Basak, who drew inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s works to fight against injustices, suffered by the common people. Basak was killed by the Pakistani army during the 1971 war of independence.
Haridas Basak lived on Tagore’s Zamindari estate in Shahjadpur of Sirajganj. He received a letter from Tagore in 1939 and relied on the Nobel laureate’s literature whenever he faced a crisis.
‘Although Savar is situated in Dhaka district, the facilities for cultural practice are lacking here. There is no auditorium or cultural complex for theatre. It’s amazing that Jagaroni managed to reach the landmark of fifty shows. Audiences in both Bangladesh and India have received the production well, and we are happy with this journey,’ said Debashish Ghosh, who is working with marginal theatre troupes across the country.
‘We are waiting for a letter that can unite us against racism, corruption, and sectarian activities. The success of the play has also inspired the local people of Savar, leading to the creation of many cultural platforms. I hope the production will continue to be staged regularly,’ he added.