‘Doul: Julekhar Jera Porbo’ (Interrogating Julekha)—the first opera play of the country is going to be premiered today at 7pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Segun Bagicha in the city. Besides, its second show will be staged at the same time at the same venue tomorrow.
The play, based on the reverse story of the original love story of Yusuf-Julekha, has been written and directed by the poet of ‘Julekha Trilogy’, Choyon Khairul Habib.
The first Muslim poet of Bengali literature Shah Muhammad Sagir, a court-poet of Sultan Giyasuddin Azam Shah of Gaura (1389-1410), wrote the romantic story of Yusuf-Julekha in verse in the 15th century at the Suntan’s request. On the other hand, Choyon Khairul Habib’s attempt to make a lyrical drama is the absolute opposite of the original Yusuf-Julekha story.
Based on his trilogy titled ‘Doul’ consisting of three narrative poems—‘Julekha Syrup’, Julekhar Juachakki’ and ‘Julekhar Jera Parbo, poet-director Choyon Khairul Habib has directed the play. He said that it will be the first opera play in the country. The play has been produced by Natyam Repertory and Julekha Syrup Research Lounge.
In history, Julekha has always been presented as a villain in the story. But in the Choyon’s narrative, she is the ultimate hero here. Women are the source of all sins—to change this view, Choyon has come up with the humanitarian effort of presenting the play in a different manner.
The main cast of the play includes Parvin Paru from Prachyanaut, Shishir Rahman from Prangone Mor and Junaid Eusuf from Natyam Repertory.

Where: BSA, Segun Bagicha
When: 7pm, today and tomorrow l