A special show of theatre troupe Swapnadal’s much-acclaimed production “Chitrangada” will be held at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) today to mark the 163th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

Based on Tagore’s dance-drama “Chitrangada”, the play is directed by Swapnadal’s Chief Secretary Zahid Repon.

Tagore wrote the drama at the age of 31 years. He brought the play to stage as a lyrical dance drama in 1936 at the age of 75.

The story of the play begins with Chitrangada, a princess of Manipur. An expert in warfare, she has no intention to lead the life of a common lady. But fortune frowns on her. Being acquainted with Arjun, Chitrangada, the legendary princess in the epic Mahabharata, falls in love with him.

As a Brahmachari, Arjun refuses her love. Another reason for refusing her maybe she is not so beautiful.

Brokenhearted, Chitrangada, who is also termed “Kurupa”, prays to Madan, the god of love, for beautifying herself. Impressed with her prayer, the god of love blesses her with a new formation, granting a beautiful appearance as “Shurupa” for a year so that she can impress Arjun.

Seeing her dazzling beauty, Arjun falls in love with the transformed princess. Thus, the story reaches its climax when Arjun feels a dire urge to meet the Kurupa form of Chitrangada for her bravery.

The probable cast of the play includes Sonali, Juena, Shishir, Shamol, Arko, Happy, Samad, Usha, Mashud, Bimol, Asif, Sajjad and others.