At the beginning of the staging of the Rangakarmees latest play, Chanda Bedni, the audience and the crew of the play paid their respects by observing silence in memory of Tilottama.
The audience at the premiere of the new play at the Academy of Fine Arts was eye-popping. While many programs are being canceled or postponed right now, the prominent theater personality late Usha Gangulys group Rangakarmee believes in the principle of The Show Must Go On.
Anirudh Sarkar, the director of the play Chanda Bedni, said, If the show is stopped, the issue of livelihood of many people comes up. When the show is on, the person who stands outside the hall and sells tea earns his livelihood. So we are not in any way in favor of stopping the show.
The play has been directed by Anirudh Sarkar, Chanda Bedni is the story of a womans murder by conspiracy. As this drama made in the context of Bundelkhand leaves the question of injustice towards women, todays protest for Tilottama seems to match it somewhere.
Chanda Bedni is the story of a courtesan from the Bedni tribe of Bundelkhand. It is their profession to keep the kings happy with dance, song and various entertainments. Chanda is the main protagonist of this story.
The love in her life and the tragic outcome at the end tells the story of the injustice that befalls a woman.
Written by Alakhanandan, the play gives the audience a taste of the vibrant culture of Bundelkhand, telling the life of the Bedni tribe, where women are the primary breadwinners. The narrative centers on Chanda, a courtesan, who captivates both royalty and commoners with her charms.
The story takes a turn when a Brahmin boy falls deeply and selflessly in love with Chanda. This love, contrary to everything she knows, changes her life.
Rangamkarees production brings this story to life with a blend of mysticism and realism, showcasing the triumph of love over religious and social barriers. However, the ultimate test of their love is the jealousy of the royal queen, with dire consequences.
Starring Ranjini Ghosh (Chanda), Ankit Sharma (Laxman), Om Tiwari (Sadhu), Anindita Pati (Munni), Monosij Biswas (Raja), Shirsendu Maiti Pal (Mantri), Gaurav Sinha (Kutna), Abhishek Pandey (Raj Purahit) ), Megha Guha Roy (Kaki), Subhash Biswas (Sukhiya Muchi) and Shubham in the role of mridanga player.
The music of the play is composed by Dr. Mita Sarkar, Anirudh Sarkar, Shubham. The next show is on September 15, at Girish Manch.
(Photo courtesy: PR Team)
