Rangakarmee joins the protest differently
Rangakarmee joins the protest with their latest play, Chanda Bedni, directed by Anirudh Sarkar, that delves into themes of injustice towards women, resonating with the city’s grief while standing firm on the principle of “The Show Must Go On.”
Our beloved city is currently navigating through harrowing times, with protests erupting across every corner in response to the horrific incident at R.G. Kar Hospital, where a young doctor, Tilottama, was brutally raped and murdered. The anguish felt by the community has manifested in widespread demonstrations, cancellations of events, and an atmosphere thick with grief and anger. Amidst this turmoil, a ray of resilience has emerged from an unexpected source—Rangakarmee, the renowned theatre group founded by the late Usha Ganguly, has joined the protest in a uniquely poignant manner.
Before the premiere of their latest production, Chanda Bedni, the entire audience and cast observed a moment of silence in memory of Tilottama. It was a sombre yet powerful tribute, a collective pause to honour the victim, sending a message that art does not exist in isolation from the society it reflects. But unlike many other cultural groups who have postponed or cancelled their scheduled performances, Rangakarmee has chosen a different path, standing by the principle of “The Show Must Go On.”
Anirudh Sarkar, the director of Chanda Bedni, articulated the ethos behind this decision. “If the show is stopped, the issue of livelihood of many people comes up. When the show is on, the person who stands outside the hall and sells tea earns his livelihood. So we are not in any way in favour of stopping the show.” His words reflect not just the dedication to art but also a deep awareness of the economic realities of those whose lives depend on the world of theatre.
The premiere, held at the Academy of Fine Arts, witnessed an emotionally charged audience. The timing of Chanda Bedni, a play about the murder of a woman as a result of conspiracy, felt uncannily resonant with the city’s current grief and anger. The narrative of the play itself, set against the backdrop of Bundelkhand, echoes the broader themes of gender injustice and societal violence.
Chanda Bedni is the tale of a courtesan from the Bedni tribe of Bundelkhand, whose women are expected to entertain kings through dance, song, and other performances. The protagonist, Chanda, finds herself entangled in a web of love, politics, and betrayal. Her love affair with a Brahmin boy, Laxman, defies the rigid social norms of her world, ultimately inviting the wrath of a jealous royal queen, leading to tragic consequences. The plot, with its themes of power dynamics, injustice towards women, and societal taboos, eerily mirrors the collective cry for justice in Tilottama’s name.
Rangakarmee ’s rendition of the play masterfully blends mysticism with realism, offering the audience a vivid portrayal of Bundelkhand’s cultural fabric while delving into the timeless struggles of love, class, and gender. The performance was led by a stellar cast, with Ranjini Ghosh as the captivating Chanda, Ankit Sharma as the devoted Laxman, and Om Tiwari portraying the wise Sadhu. Each actor delivered a performance charged with emotion, breathing life into the story’s intense and complex layers.
The music, composed by Dr. Mita Sarkar, Anirudh Sarkar, and Shubham, heightened the mystical quality of the production, while the choreography and set design transported the audience into the vibrant yet oppressive world of Chanda and her tribe. It was a performance that, like the best of theatre, held up a mirror to society’s ills while offering a space for reflection, empathy, and, perhaps, hope.
As the city rallies in protest for justice, Chanda Bedni serves as both a tribute and a statement, reminding us that art can and should reflect the struggles of the time. Rangakarmee’s decision to keep the show running, in defiance of the chaos around them, speaks volumes. Their protest is not in the cancellation of a performance but in the act of performing itself, using theatre as a medium to voice the unspeakable.
Cast: Ranjini Ghosh (Chanda), Ankit Sharma (Laxman), Om Tiwari (Sadhu), Anindita Pati (Munni), Monosij Biswas (Raja), Shirsendu Maiti Pal (Mantri), Gaurav Sinha (Kutna), Abhishek Pandey (Raj Purahit) ), Megha Guha Roy (Kaki), Subhash Biswas (Sukhiya Muchi) and Shubham in the role of mridanga player.The music of the play is composed by Dr. Mita Sarkar, Anirudh Sarkar, Shubham.
The next performance of Chanda Bedni is scheduled for 15th September at Girish Manch, and one can only expect the audience to grow even larger, fuelled by a collective need for art that not only entertains but also resonates with the pulse of the city. Rangakarmee’s spirit, under the leadership of Anirudh Sarkar, embodies the very essence of resilience. In times like these, when the city is screaming for justice, their message is clear: protest, but let the art speak for itself.
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