Chandan and Shantilal gear up for new play

Theatre

personalities Chandan Sen and Shantilal Mukherjee are gearing up for their new play, Archimedes-er Mrityu. Written by Nabyendu Sen, the play was staged by the writer about 20 years ago. This time, it will be directed by Chandan. He, along with the members of theatre group Ashokenagar Natyaanan, including Shantilal and Panchanan Banerjee, will be seen on stage. The rehearsals started about two months ago and the play will be staged at the Academy of Fine Arts auditorium on September 22.
“I think the play is still relevant. So, we did not change the script. The play focuses on how science is often exploited by the state and instead of using it for the benefit of common people, it is used as a tool for mass destruction,” Chandan said.

While elaborating on the play, the director said, “The story delves into the collision of Greek and Roman emperors over a small Greek island. The Greek soldiers on that small island stopped the powerful Romans and

Archimedes

’ weapons that resemble ballistic missiles of modern days. However, it’s the traders who helped the Romans and as they grew stronger, they wanted to have a command over the weapons. The story delves into the dynamics of power-hungry traders and imperialists. That is why the play is still relevant today.”
The group that has worked keenly on intimate theatre recently collaborated with the authorities of Deshbandhu Balika Vidyalaya for a project. Together, they have turned the school’s (which is situated near

Kalighat

Metro station) hall room into an alternative theatre space. The space — Offstage — was inaugurated recently and hosts shows on the second and fourth Sunday of every month.