Dazzling stars of the stage will set the evening ablaze this month at a traditional theatre event in North Kolkata. The historic ‘Debi Chaudhurani’ will be brought to life at the Sobhabazar Rajbari Natmondir on August 16 and 17, with three star-studded shows. ‘Sutanuti Pala Parbon’ announced this during a press conference at the Natmondir today, where renowned Jatra artists Smt. Kakali Chowdhury, Sri Anal Chakraborty, and Sri Raju Barua, along with Bengalitheatrer stars Sri Soumitra Mitra and Sri Biswajit Sarkar, revealed their roles. Also present were Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s MIC, Sri Debashis Kumar, and the writer and director of the production, Samrat Mukhopadhyay and Prantik Chowdhury, respectively. The cast, including Nancy, Samrat Biswas, and Sayan Ghosh, were present.
Commemorating the birthday week of the ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata and celebrating India’s Independence Week with an event that pays homage to the rich history leading up to the nation’s freedom. Through the modern interpretation and theatrical representation of Mahendra Gupta’s Rishi Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay’s timeless novel ‘Debi Chaudhurani’, we invite you to immerse yourself in the traditions and stories that have shaped our cultural heritage. It’s an unmissable opportunity to witness the captivating portrayal of our past on stage, taking place over two days in both the afternoon and evening. The highly anticipated theatrical performance of ‘Debi Chaudhurani’ on August 16th will be exclusively for an invited audience of esteemed citizens of Kolkata. On August 17th, the production will open its doors to the general public with two showings at 3 pm and 6:30 pm. This collaboration of renowned artists from the Jatra and theatre worlds is a rare and impressive feat, promising an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. The modern perspective infused into the original work by veteran journalist and dramatist Samrat Mukherjee has added a new layer to the timeless story, while director Prantik Chowdhury brings his creative vision to life on stage. This year, we also honour the fortieth anniversary of Mahendra Gupta’s passing, recognizing his enduring legacy as the driving force behind Hatibagan’s ‘Star Theatre’. His daughter, the late Iva Pani Gupta, left an indelible mark on Bengalitheatrer by publishing her father’s works during his birth centenary, a monumental contribution that we hold dear. We are also grateful for the continued support of Gupta’s son-in-law, Bijan Pani, and granddaughter, Malini Devi, whose generosity has not gone unnoticed. This production stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Mahendra Gupta and his family’s dedication to the arts. Debashis Kumar expressed, “My fascination for cultural affairs dates back to my early years, stemming from a familial inclination towards participation in diverse cultural activities. I have been actively involved in numerous theatrical performances, but due to the demands of my social and professional obligations, I have been unable to devote time to this passion. However, after a prolonged hiatus, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to grace the stage once again. Hence, I readily accepted the proposal.”
In a reflective tone, Prantik Chowdhury shared, “‘Debi Chaudhurani’ symbolizes a dream come true for me. The esteemed cast members are nothing short of idols in my eyes, and I am eager to witness the fusion of their talents. I firmly believe that this production will etch a lasting legacy in the annals of theatrical history.” Samrat Mukhopadhyay eloquently stated, “The Bengali people have a long history of forgetting themselves, leading to indifference towards the rebellions that occurred during the colonial era. The first armed mass resistance against colonialism in the country during a period of famine has been overlooked and perhaps even feared by historians, both in the 18th and 20th centuries. The true history of Jayadurga Choudhurani, the pioneering female freedom fighter of our nation, has been lost in this fear and neglect, immortalized as the fictional ‘Debi Chaudhurani’ in literature and theatre. However, our responsibility is fulfilled by theatre, where both history and storytelling converge.” Anal Chakraborty, a prominent Jatra artist, reflected on his longtime collaboration with Kakali, stating, “We have spent 28 years working together, both starting our acting careers in theatre. The stage provided us with the motivation that has driven us for years.” Raju Barua, another influential Jatra artist, expressed his excitement about returning to the theatre, attributing his passion for the art form to Prantik Chowdhury and Samrat Mukherjee. The director of Tech Hoc Solutions, Samrat Biswas, commended the initiative as a fusion of creativity from diverse backgrounds, expressing pride in the company’s involvement in bridging old and modern Kolkata. Tech Hoc Solutions is producing the play with support from Barrackpore Bratyajon, and Bou Rani is also backing the effort. The Natamondir has a rich history as the venue for numerous inaugural Jatra performances, including the First Jatra Conference in 1961. This upcoming performance seeks to revive North Kolkata’s faded theatre culture, bringing a new vibrancy to the historic space.
