Charuneedam Theatre, a Dhaka-based troupe established in 2007, is marking its 18th year with an ambitious triple bill. The company will showcase the 100th performances of three plays — “Arshola,” “Nana Ronger Din,” and “Sharater Megh” — on Monday evening at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The audience can enjoy all three productions with a single ticket starting at 7 pm.
Directed by the renowned Gazi Rakayet, who leads the company’s Chekhov-themed season, the three plays offer a diverse theatrical experience. “Nana Ronger Din” and “Sharater Megh” are adaptations from Anton Chekhov’s works by Ajitesh Bandyopadhyay. On the other hand, “Arshola,” translated into Bengali by Nirup Mitra, presents a local rendition of a Tennessee Williams play, delving into the writer’s early challenges and artistic development.
The thematic core of Charuneedam’s program revolves around creativity, social significance, and love. “Nana Ronger Din” explores the societal value placed on artists, “Sharater Megh” delves into timeless themes of love and yearning, while “Arshola” portrays the formative years of a budding writer. Each play promises a unique theatrical experience, ranging from the intimate to the philosophical, offering a rich tapestry of emotions.
The ensemble cast features Gazi Rakayet, Gautam Ray, Dr. Marjia Akter, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Ashiul Islam, Subarna Saeed, Shahriar Mithun, and Akhand Zahid. Rakayet’s direction emphasizes a blend of faithfulness to the original texts and contemporary stagecraft. The company views the triple performance as both a celebration and a public rehearsal, aimed at refining their craft through repetition and engaging with the audience.
Reflecting on their journey, Charuneedam shared on their Facebook page that the past 18 years have been characterized by consistent growth and daring ventures. The upcoming centenary performances of their Chekhov productions on September 15, 2025, coincide with Charuneedam’s 18th anniversary, symbolizing a milestone in their artistic evolution.
For theater enthusiasts seeking a captivating blend of modern and classic drama, Charuneedam’s centenary triple bill offers a stimulating opportunity to witness a company pushing boundaries while respecting tradition. Tickets for the September 15 performance are now on sale, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in an evening of compelling storytelling.