After an absence of over ten years, the experienced theater group Palakar is reviving its highly acclaimed rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Dakghar,” marking the play’s 100th performance milestone with a series of three shows this week. Directed by Shamim Sagar, the production is scheduled to grace the Studio Theatre of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on October 16 at 7 pm, followed by performances on October 17 at 5 pm and 7 pm. Organizers view this comeback as a blend of reunion and rejuvenation, featuring familiar faces, revitalized enthusiasm, and a fresh appreciation for Tagore’s compassionate and fantastical tale.
Set against an autumn backdrop, “Dakghar” delves into the lives of children immersed in festivity, only to be interrupted by a somber undertone embodied through Gagan Harkara’s musical interlude and Madhab Dutta’s poignant narrative. The narrative primarily unfolds around the relationship between Amol and Madhav, showcasing moments of playfulness and affection, as well as the clash between a pragmatic realist and a dreamer yearning for flights of fancy. Interweaving through this domestic narrative is the enigmatic presence of Thakurda — alternating between roles of a dairyman, sentinel, and mystic — whose interactions spark myriad aspirations in Amol’s innocent mind. The climax of the play witnesses the luminous and mysterious metamorphosis of Amol, symbolizing a liberation from captivity towards newfound freedom.
Shamim Sagar emphasized the play’s thematic exploration of death as a transition rather than an endpoint, echoing the sentiment that it signifies a release from the confines of a limited existence. He expressed to the media that the play’s celebration serves as a testament to embracing joy rather than dwelling in sorrow. The ensemble cast features notable actors including Ferdousi Shormi, Farhad Limon, Suman, Ashiq, Shuvo, Nahida Sharmin, Nahrin, Iktarul, Tuhin, Setu, Shahjahan, Peter, Robin, and Aminur Rahman Mukul. Aminur Rahman Mukul is responsible for stage design, Junayed Yousuf for lighting, Sumi Dorothy Rosario for choreography, and Nahida Sharmin and Charu Pintu for costume design.
Palakar’s centennial rendition underscores the enduring power of Tagore’s intimate narratives to unveil vast realms of thought, underscoring the richness of each revisit to his timeless tales.