A scene from Natasurya. Picture by Eastern Projections

The allegation by theatre-lovers that plays written by Natasurya Phani Sarma were given a miss in the 12-year-long drama festival dedicated to him was partially countered this time. The organisers produced a play, Natasurya, on the opening day of the weeklong theatre bonanza on July 31.

The play was presented in collage style with some significant scenes from a few of Phani Sarma’s immortal plays like Bhogjaraa, Kiyo and Siraaj being staged.

Directed by National Award-winning actress Moloya Goswami, the performance created a rare ambience at Rabindra Bhawan. It was heartening to see that the essence of the theatre genius could touch the hearts of the young generation.

The script was prepared by eminent playwright and actor Amarjyoti Choudhury. There is no denying the fact that his unmatched command over theatre literature and stage language made the director’s job easier.

When talented Raj Sarma appeared on the stage as Natasurya Phani Sarma to anchor the series in the role of a sutradhar, the audience was captivated.

Characters of plays written by Natasurya Phani Sarma came alive on stage one by one as the sutradhar began recalling them. These included the character of Rupaa Paagoli and the performance of a scene from Bhogjoraa by Tipomiya Konwar.

This was followed by an act from Kiyo. Pradip, a dedicated artiste, is engaged by a cunning political bigwig to promote his daughter Meera. Polite and poverty-stricken, Pradip cannot disobey the command of Meera’s father who has organised a theatrical performance to launch his daughter with Pradip as the co-artiste.

When Pradip returns home after the show, he finds that his only son Dip has died of burn injury and his wife Mamoni and other children are wailing. Meera’s father had known about the tragedy but he chose not to inform Pradip to ensure that the show went on uninterrupted.

Besides skilful and imaginative direction, sound acting by Raj Sarma, Jayanta Bhagawati, Shrutismriti Changkakoti, Parag Sarma, Aparna Dutta Choudhury and Nishita Goswami, among others, made the presentation impressive.

The technical aspect of the production was also flawless.