Tragic monologue of a woman
BUET Drama Society staged their 13th theatre production Letter to a Child Never Born yesterday at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capitals Segun Bagicha area. Directed by Bakar Bakul, Shahed Iqbal has dramatised the play from a novel by Italian author and journalist Oriana Fallaci.
It is the tragic monologue of a woman speaking with the child she carries in her womb. Letter to a Child Never Born touches on the real meaning of being a woman: the power to give life or not. When the book begins, the protagonist is upset after learning she is pregnant. She knows nothing about the child, except that this creature depends totally and uniquely on her own choices. The creation of another person directly within ones own body is a very shocking thing. The sense of responsibility is huge; it is a heavy burden that gives life to endless reflections, from the origin of our existence to the shame of our selfishness. If the child could choose, would he prefer to be born, to grow up, and to suffer, or would he return to the joyful limbo from which he came? A womans freedom and individuality are also challenged by a newbornshould she renounce her freedom, her job, and her choice? What should she do at this point?
The cast of the play includes Nishat, Anika, Jimi, Istiak and others. Choreographed by Snata Shahrin, set, costume and props design has been done by Runa Kanchan. Aslam Aronnho has designed stage-lighting while Robiul Islam Shoshi composed music for the play. l
Photo courtesy l Mohuya
