The Bangladesh Performance Art Group debuted its first theatrical production, Jalaluddin Rumi, at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Tuesday.
The performance was held marking the anniversary of the birth of the renowned Iranian Sufi poet, Maulana Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi, widely known as Maulana Rumi.
Written by Apurba Kumar Kundu, the monodrama was both directed and performed by Sujon Mahabub, a renowned performance artist.
The play is set on the final evening of Rumi鈥檚 life, focusing on his contemplation of his epitaph and tomb.
As he reflects on his journey, Rumi recalls his evolution from an Islamic scholar to a mystic and poet.
He also reflects on his writing Diwan-e-Shams Tabrizi, which was inspired by his spiritual teacher, Shams-i Tabrizi.
The production concludes with Rumi鈥檚 epitaph, which reads, 鈥榃hen someone is dead, do not seek him in the tomb on the earth. Find him in the hearts of men.鈥�
Sujon Mahabub portrayed the character of Rumi, while other members of the Bangladesh Performance Art Group performed the chorus and choreography that brought the production to life.
鈥榃e fused traditional patachitra, shadow puppet theatre, and jatra with Sufi whirling, as well as Iranian and Arabian folk music, to illustrate the life and philosophy of Maulana Rumi. The production is inspired by his writings and biography,鈥� said Sujon Mahabub, who won the Best Performance Art Award at the 23rd National Young Artist Exhibition in 2022.
Hamidur Rahman Pappu composed the music, drawing on Iranian and Arabian folk traditions; while Fazle Rabbee Sukarno designed the stage, incorporating Islamic architectural motifs.
Subhasish Datta Tanmoy was responsible for the makeup design, Md Bazlur Rahman handled the lighting design, and Amena Begum designed the costumes for the production.