Paulo Coelho’s internationally acclaimed novel The Alchemist is heading to the stage as theatre troupe Actomania prepares its fourth production, The Alchemist: Subarnasrastha.
Mahfuz Islam Megh has adapted the novel for the stage, with Talha Zubaer directing the production. The play follows a young man’s journey from Andalusia to the Egyptian pyramids in search of treasure. Along the way, his quest becomes a deeper journey of self-discovery, purpose and destiny.
Rather than focusing solely on the adventure, the production explores the novel’s enduring themes of pursuing dreams, discovering one’s purpose and confronting the uncertainty that comes with following that path.
For Zubaer, the story carries particular relevance at a time when professional ambition can overshadow more personal questions about what people truly want from life.
“The Alchemist reminds us that every person has a purpose in life, something we are born to achieve. At a time like this, this production seeks to help us rediscover the inner urge and dreams we may have lost, while reigniting the desire to dream and undertake an inward journey,” Zubaer said.
The production will premiere soon at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The cast and crew are currently rehearsing.
The cast includes Shashank Saha, Kamruzzaman Topu, Sayem Sizan, Saira Akter, Salauddin Evan, Fatema Elma, Kamrul Tihan, Mahbuba Mou, Sanvi Mir, Marzuk Hasan, Joybrata Biswas, Mahfuz Islam Megh, Bappi Chowdhury, Sakib Shubho, Aishi, Saad, Rihad, Ratul, Suluiha, Rudra, Jony and Barish.
Actomania has previously staged Hamlet Machine and The Man Outside. Zubaer directed The Man Outside, while Nowrin Sazzad Bristy directed the troupe’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s When We Dead Awaken.
