A lesson in culture

In its full form,one can say that drama is like a reconstruction of life. Right from locales to languages and emotions,everything can be representational and still look like a slice of reality. Perhaps,bearing this very thought in mind,Dishari,a socio-cultural organisation came into existence two decades ago with the aim of being the torchbearer of Bengali culture in Pune through the medium of drama. Like every year,the torch will burn bright this year too with the 17th edition of the Pune Bengali International Theatre Festival that will give Puneites a lesson in culture.

The festival,which will be held at Balgandharva Rangmandir from November 19 – 21,will be graced by luminaries in the field of drama like Bibhash Chakraborty,Girish Karnad,Amalesh Chakraborty,Shimul Yousuf,Nasiruddin Yousuf and Malaoy Biswas. Haimanti Banerjee will also attend the festival. Highlighting this year’s unique features,Arindam De, General Secretary,Dishari,shares,“This year,the fest has elevated to an international level as we also have a team from Dhaka Theatre taking part. We also have plays that are translated from other languages. Then there is one play which is a monologue and one which is in the form of a dedication.”The schedule of the show will cover different genres of theatre. On November 19,the festival will be inaugurated with Jaga Kitchuri,a comic play directed by Bibhash Chakraborty and put up by Anya Theatre,Kolkata. November 20 will have a monologue called Binodini by Dhaka Theatre. This play is directed by Nasiruddin Yusuf. Seven women from Pune will also be felicitated on the same day for their exemplary work. The day will end with a play titled Punorujjiban,which is an international prize winning IBSEN drama from ANEEK Kolkata,directed by Amalesh Chakraborty.

The final day programme includes the felicitation of Bibhash Chakraborty and Girish Karnad followed by a Bengali trans-creation of the play Fire and Rain called Agni Jal,which was originally written by Karnad and has been trans-created by Bivas Chakraborty.

This festival will also have a social bearing as the event is dedicated to creating mass awareness for eye donation. The audience can take an active part in the cause,either by contributing through the donation passes or by registering themselves for eye donation. Says De,“Whatever we collect in these three days will go a long way in helping people as we will donate a part of the proceeds to Pune Blind Men’s Association. This is just a small way of contributing towards a cause.”