Anjan Deb's physical acting workshop was crucial: Shantilal

The first show of Ashoknagar’s Natyaanan’s non-proscenium ventures, Khancha and Ami O Amra garnered appreciation from the audience. “It was a packed theatre. We have been trying to do theatre on alternative spaces and on our first show at Niranjan Sadan, we could only accommodate 100 people. And all of them appreciated our work,” said Shantilal Mukherjee, who directed Ami O Amra that involves a lot of physical acting.
Veteran theatre artist Anjan Deb conducted workshops for the actors. “Our actors were not used to the non-proscenium style of acting. Also, in Ami O Amra, we used a lot of non-verbal acting. There are portions in which the narrator reads out the script and performers enact on stage. Anjanda helped us a lot. From physical acting to mime— he taught our members for days,” added Shantilal.
This is the second time after Janani that Shantilal is directing a play for Ashoknagar’s Natyaanan. “Apart from these two, I have directed one more play for West Bengal Motion Picture Artist Forum back in 2014. I am really excited about these two productions this year. I hope we will be able to start a new trend,” said Shantilal.