Play Review: ‘Bhalobasha Ekti Dhushor Pakhi’ by Race Theatre

Theatre Group: Race Theatre, Pailapool
Play: ভালোবাসা একটা ধূসর পাখি
Writer and Director: Indranil Dey
Lighting: Satyajit Basu Joy
Stage Design: Ankan Kansabanik
Technical Execution: Sachin Kairi
Duration: 45 minutes
Venue: Gandhi Bhawan, Theatre er Poush Porbo (থিয়েটারের পৌষ পরব)
Organisers: Ajk-er Projonmo & Race Theatre

On the second day of Theatre er Poush Porbo, Race Theatre, Pailapool, presented their production ভালোবাসা একটা ধূসর (Love is a Grey Bird). Written and directed by Indranil Dey, the play explores the complexities of love, relationships, and human emotions, diving deep into the grey areas of morality and affection.

Plot & Theme

The story revolves around Roma, a passionate dancer and singer, and her tangled relationships with two men—her husband, Pradeep Kumar, and her manager, Ramakant (aka Prasad). Roma’s jealousy, her desire for emotional reciprocity, and the interplay of insecurities between the characters form the crux of the narrative. While Roma is torn between the two men, the men themselves display varying shades of emotional engagement—Pradeep’s unshaken confidence that Roma won’t cheat on him and Ramaprasad’s vulnerability and physical attraction for Roma.

The play masterfully questions societal norms about love and fidelity. Can one person love two people simultaneously? Can love be singular, or is it as multifaceted and grey as human emotions? Indranil Dey’s nuanced writing brings these dilemmas to life.

“If two people can love one person, why can’t one person love two different people?”, becomes a major takeaway from the play.

Visual Appeal: The quick stage setup within 30 minutes after the first play deserves applause. The use of an oil lantern with a chimney added a touch of nostalgia, especially for the younger audience.

Performances:

Shalini Mishra as Roma showcased her versatility as both a dancer and singer, embodying her character’s emotional turmoil.
*Surya Sen Bania’s* portrayal of Ramaprasad had moments of charm but could have benefited from a stronger dialogue delivery.

Amarjeet Pandey as Pradeep Kumar brought a composed and confident presence to the stage and unique sophistication.

Humour & Dialogue: The humorous exchanges between Pradeep and Ramaprasad elicited a few muffled laughs, and played on several emotional undertones.

Symbolism: The title “ভালোবাসা একটা ধূসর পাখি” or Love is a Grey Bird beautifully encapsulates the play’s theme that love and human nature exist in a grey zone, neither purely black nor white.

Critique:

The background score and piano accompaniment often overpowered the actors’ voices, indicating a need for stage mics or better acoustics.

There were a few hiccups in stage coordination, which, though minor, didn’t interrupt the flow of the narrative.

While the actors used the stage effectively, some moments felt underutilised in terms of spatial dynamics.

Final Thoughts:

ভালোবাসা একটা ধূসর পাখি is a semi-musical drama that explores the vulnerabilities and emotional nuances of its characters with depth and subtlety. It’s a tale of love, betrayal, and introspection, which leaves the audience questioning the nature of relationships and the boundaries of affection. Despite minor technical glitches, Race Theatre’s performance, the co-host of থিয়েটারের পৌষ পরব, was engaging and thought-provoking, making it a highlight of the festival.

Credit must be given for setting the stage graciously within 30 minutes after the first play.

Verdict: A captivating portrayal of love’s many shades, worth a watch for its thematic richness and emotional depth.