A scene from Raja Lear. Picture by Anup Bhattacharya

Sarat Sadan Hall I was a packed house on the evening of December 30 for a show of Soumitra Chattopadhyay’s Raja Lear. Jonaki, a theatre group in Howrah, organised a show of the play in Sarat Sadan on December 30 with assistance from Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). “It is an epic drama and one of Soumitrababu’s finest works. We also wanted to support Jonaki so that young theatre actors and workers in Howrah will draw inspiration from this play,” said Debasish Ghosh, the member-mayor-in-council of HMC.

Many among the audience, shrugged off the controversies surrounding the play. “Theatre always focuses on social issues. It is natural to show the shortcomings of society. But there are no political connotations in this play,” said Gopal Mukherjee, the former mayor of HMC who was part of the audience.

A felicitation programme was held after the play where the veteran actor was presented a special memento depicting seven horses running towards the sun. He was also given flowers, fruits, dhoti punjabi, shawl and other items. “I have spent a part of my childhood in Howrah and love coming back here. I love the stage and I hope to continue to interact with my audience through good plays,” said Soumitra Chatterjee. Director Suman Mukhopadhyay said, “Raja Lear should continue. There is no reason for it to stop.”