A fresh theatrical production titled “Tabula Rasa” by the Theatre and Performance Studies Department at the University of Dhaka is set to grace the stage for three consecutive evenings starting from Tuesday. The play is scheduled to run from Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00pm at the Natmondol Auditorium on the university campus, under the direction of Professor Ahmedul Kabir.
This innovative production is inspired by the works of prominent Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Rather than focusing on a single play, the performance incorporates elements from three of Ibsen’s acclaimed works – “A Doll’s House”, “Peer Gynt”, and “The Wild Duck”.
Professor Ahmedul Kabir emphasized that this production is a unique project within the department’s academic framework. Drawing from Ibsen’s influential themes on life, reality, human connections, gender issues, political landscapes, and societal norms, the play aims to delve into these profound concepts.
While preserving the essence of Ibsen’s original themes, the script has been ingeniously restructured to suit the stage adaptation. The title “Tabula Rasa”, originating from Latin and meaning a “blank slate”, symbolizes the exploration of conveying meaning through physical expressions, gestures, and movements alongside verbal dialogues.
The cast and crew behind this production are first-semester postgraduate students from the Theatre and Performance Studies Department. Professor Ahmedul Kabir highlighted that this initiative is designed to expose students to diverse global theatrical practices and nurture their innovative spirit.
Moreover, the director believes that the play’s narrative may prompt viewers to contemplate contemporary societal issues like gender-based violence and social disparities.