Theatre Charonik will present its sixth production, “Kaljatra: Ekti Nishiddho Janazar Golpo”, at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on September 16 at 7pm.
A second show will take place at the same venue and time on September 17.
Written by Mahfuza Hilali and directed by Shyamin Sagar, the play features a solo performance by Safia Khandaker Rekha.
The story follows Kumkum, whose mother, Princess Mahima, was a renowned jatra performer known for portraying Sita, Draupadi and Behula. Following Mahima’s death, Kumkum is left to fulfil her mother’s final wish—to have a janaza.
Her efforts bring her up against religious regulations, social restrictions and unseen systems of power. The production examines how identity, fear and social taboos can create obstacles as difficult to overcome as physical barriers.
Memories of Mahima’s life on stage continue to emerge through Kumkum, bringing the characters her mother once played into the present.
Draupadi’s questions, Behula’s prolonged wait and Sita’s trial by fire gradually merge with the realities of the characters’ lives.
Hilali said the play explores the neglect, discrimination and oppression experienced by artists, especially women artists, despite there being no justification for gender-based divisions in the arts.
Sagar said the production does not aim to judge any religion. Instead, it questions the power, intolerance, fear and cruelty that people sometimes create and exercise in the name of religion.
“Kaljatra: Ekti Nishiddho Janazar Golpo” marks Theatre Charonik’s sixth production.
