Naboros brings Jasimuddin’s ‘Sojan Badiar Ghat’ to stage

Theatre troupe Naboros is set to premiere its fifth production, “Sojan Badiar Ghat”, based on the celebrated work of Pollikobi Jasimuddin, at 7pm on Friday at the Bangladesh Mahila Samity auditorium.

Adapted and directed by Syeda Shamsi Ara Sayeka, the production held its technical rehearsal on 25 October at the Studio Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Originally published in 1933, “Sojan Badiar Ghat” is a celebrated narrative poem by Jasimuddin. Over the years, the work has been adapted for both stage and screen.

Set in a rural community of that era, the story explores communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims through the tragic love story of Sojan and Duli, two young people from different religious backgrounds.

In the village of Shimultali, situated on the banks of the Gorai (also known as the Madhumati) River, the two grew up as childhood companions. Their friendship gradually developed into deep affection. However, the machinations of the local nayeb (estate manager), coupled with religious prejudice, fuel communal tensions in the village, turning their love into a source of conflict. Both families and the wider society stand against their relationship.

Will Sojan and Duli overcome the barriers of religion and social prejudice? What ultimately becomes of their love? And how does the riverbank come to be known as “Sojan Badiar Ghat”? The production brings these questions and the tragic tale to the stage.

The cast includes Afia Zaman Srija, Kashif Alfi Ahmed, Syeda Shamsi Ara Sayeka, Yusuf Russel, Nazmul Hasan Shuvo, Nazmul Haque Babu, Sakhawat Hossain Shimul, Hamim Sultan, Mohammad Imran Khan, Golam Morshed, Rajib Chandra Das, M Shahjada, Omar Faruk, Bonnya, Sukanya Sakira and Debadrita Sarkar Badhon.

Shishir Rahman is the music director of the production, while Manohar Chandra Das has composed the background score. Monir Hossain is the vocalist.

Jabed Patwary has designed the lighting, while Tapas Sarkar Roudra is responsible for the set design and construction. Costumes have been designed by Syeda Shamsi Ara Sayeka and Samiul Jahan Dola, with SD Tanmoy serving as the makeup artist.