DL reporter

Popular theatre troupe Prachyanat will stage their much-acclaimed play ‘Koinna’ today at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Segun Bagicha in the capital as a part of the ongoing ‘Ganga-Jamuna Theatre and Cultural Festival 2016’.
‘Koinna’ (The Maiden) is the third play produced by the group. Scripted by Murad Khan and directed by Azad Abul Kalam, the play has been based on a local myth of the northwestern part of Bangladesh, and traces the mystery and imaginative creation that operates at the subconscious level of men. The play is not an exploration of the distinction between good and evil, but rather a probing into the vary nature of man.
The play tells the story of some people of a remote village in Sylhet district. The people believe that they live under the spiritual protection of one ‘Koinnapir’  who is still believed to inhabit the mossy-green water of a local pond as a fish, accessible only to Nior, the respected head and descendent of the house. Nior’s ways of practicing his belief are challenged by Sahebzada, leader of a more orthodox section of the community. Nior is finally able to evade the conflict by an apparent act of self-annihilation which is also seen as his spiritual and moral victory.
However, the play is not simply a man’s spiritual history, rather the play is a powerful evocation of the life, a community who apparently exists at the periphery of a technological society, but whose life and belief system shows us that life’s truths are manifold and sometimes the truth may elude rationality.
On the other hand, the three other plays will be staged simultaneously at the Halls of BSA today at 7pm. Among these, Loko Natyadal (Siddeshwari) will stage their production ‘Sonai Madhab’  at the Experimental Theatre Hall and Natya Kendra will stage ‘Bondukjuddho O Gadhar Haat’ at the Studio Theatre Hall of BSA.
Moreover, Jagoroni Theatre is going to stage yet another show of their 15th production titled ‘Rajar Chithi’ today at the auditorium of BSA’s Music, Dance and Recitation Department.
The festival also features songs, recitation, dance and street plays by several cultural troupes, which are being held every day from 4pm to 6:30pm on the open premises of BSA. l