For the first time in history, a Bangladeshi theatre production will be staged during The Commonwealth Games. TheatrEX’s latest play “Dokkhina Sundori” will be staged on July 24 at the Tin Forest Theatre Festival to mark the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Written by Shahman Maishan and directed by Sudip Chakroborthy, the production is supported by the British Council.
“Dokkhina Sundori” (Southern Beauty) is about the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world.
In a conversation with the Dhaka Tribune, a prominent theatre activist Sudip said: “It’s an awareness-based production with the emphasis on protecting the Sundarbans. The team of TheatrEX conducted extensive research by visiting the heritage site. We also explored many documents to enrich our knowledge about the forest.”
According to Sudip, the performance includes the lifestyle of people whose livelihood depends on the Sundarbans. It is enriched with the regional poetry, dance and music in a unique form. “It explores the theatrical aesthetics by fusing local myths, legends, fairy tales and parables with contemporary style of theatre performance.”
On the other hand, the story unfolds how the locality is endangered by the current context of globalisation.
“The play has been rehearsed for the last two months. We are hopeful to represent beautiful Bangladesh on an international platform with our best effort.”
From the 71 Commonwealth nations, only six countries including India, New Zealand, England, Malta and Jamaica will stage plays at the prestigious event.
Before participating the Commonwealth Games, the play will be premiered on June 13-15 in Dhaka. “Dokhina Sundori” will be staged in England’s Manchester on July 9 as part of the Contacting The World Theatre Festival. It has also been selected to participate the Shedlink Celebration at London and two shows will be held at the Chickenshed Theatre on July 13 and 14.