A new production exploring one of the most painful yet glorious chapters of Bangladesh’s Liberation War was staged at the Chhayanaut auditorium.
The production, titled Khulna 1971: Amar Muktijuddho, was presented by Kotha Abritti Charcha Kendra on Saturday, 29 August.
The audience watched the special audio-visual poetry production, which combined lighting, background music and narrative storytelling, from 7pm.
The production is based on Khulna 1971: Amar Muktijuddho, a memoir by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Deepa Bandyopadhyay. Bengal published the book in 2014.
Ashraful Hasan Babu adapted and edited the original work for the stage, while Dr Titas Rozario directed the production.
Moving beyond conventional recitation, the production broke with traditional forms to portray the harsh realities of 1971.
The artistes brought to life the uncertain journey of a family as refugees during the Liberation War.
The production also depicted the Chuknagar and Jhaudanga massacres, burning villages, the brutality of traitors in Phultala and Batiaghata, and the struggle to survive despite the pain of losing loved ones.
Through its characters, the production showed that the Liberation War was not only about the destruction of frontline battles.
It also carried the sacrifices, tears and struggle for human survival of millions of people.
A brief discussion and reminiscence session followed the performance.
Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Deepa Bandyopadhyay, artiste Timir Nandi, writer and organiser Mofidul Hoque, and Independence Award-winning Shobdo Sainik Ashraful Alam delivered speeches.
The speakers recalled memories of the Liberation War and stressed the need to present its true history and its humanitarian, justice-based spirit to the younger generation.
