Ever since the colonial period, Bengali Theatre has served as a testament to Bengal’s intellectual aura and its rich art and cultural lineage. Bengali Theatre transcends the limit of being just a form of entertainment for us Bengalis to being a tool of expression, a means of bringing out social messages to the common people in witty ways that can hardly be conveyed in direct speech. Contemporary Bengali Theatre has witnessed the rise of many theatre groups, both in West Bengal and outside. Some are professional groups, whereas some do it for the love of the art, but they run on the same fuel: the desire to uphold this cherished form of art and pass on the vision of our great playwrights to the common people.
This is Druheen, the Bengali Technology Dramatics Society of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, with its name translating to ‘revolution or change’. Formed as early as the late 1950s, Druheen is driven by the passion of its members for Bengali Theatre. In an academically competitive environment, besides their usual academics, this diverse group of students engages in performing three stage plays per year to an audience including the students and the staff of IIT Kharagpur.
"I, like the majority of the campus residents and alumni of IIT Kharagpur, am well aware of the productions and activities of Druheen," says Prof. Mainack Mondal, Faculty, Department of Computer Science, IIT Kharagpur and an alumnus of Druheen. "The group is well known for the professionalism, passion, and overall quality of the plays it has produced over decades, solely with undergraduate students of IIT Kharagpur. In fact, Druheen helps to introduce many of those undergraduate students to the wonderful world of performing arts. The theater workshops conducted by Druheen are a window to a broader community of performing artists for many aspiring undergraduate thespians. I am really glad to see the continuing success of Druheen, appreciate their huge positive contribution to the campus culture, and look forward to their upcoming productions!"
As Bengalis all over the globe get ready to celebrate their biggest festival, Durga Puja, Druheen is gearing up for its Pre-Puja Production: ‘Dampati’ (The Couple) by Manoj Mitra, which is scheduled to take the stage on the 18th of October (Wednesday) at the Kalidas Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur, from 7:30 PM onwards. This production is aimed at launching first-year talents with the direction being given by the third-year members of the group assisted by the second-year members.
This comic but thought-provoking play delves deep into the intricate facets of human character as it unravels the strained relationships across generations. This compelling narrative revolves around the lives of two distinct couples residing under the same roof, echoing the complexities of love, trust, respect, values, and desire.
At the heart of the story is an elderly couple, custodians of their ancestral home, with their two children settled abroad. To sustain their daily life, they rely on a loyal manservant and an aging family friend who happens to be a dedicated doctor. Over the years, the family friend has become an integral part of their lives, considering them as his own.
In the same household, a young couple occupies a tenancy. Married for just three years, both are diligently carving their paths up the career ladder. However, their aspirations clash. The husband is resolute in pursuing his professional ambitions and believes that starting a family would hinder their financial and career goals. His wife, conversely, yearns for the warmth of family life and wishes to prioritize a child and strengthen their bond.
These conflicting desires give rise to impassioned arguments, insecurities, and trust issues. Matters become even more intricate when an old female friend reenters the husband's life. Frustrated with his current situation, he seeks solace in nostalgia, reviving memories of a bygone era.
To find out how complications and misunderstandings reach their peaks and ultimately lead to the climax, do not miss the Pre-Pujo Production: ‘Dampati’ by Manoj Mitra that Druheen will be staging. If you are in Kharagpur or nearby, you are in for a treat at the Kalidas Auditorium on Wednesday. If you cannot make it, do not miss the complete play on the TDS Druheen YouTube channel and all of Druheen’s social media handles. Druheen wishes everyone a very happy Durga Puja!
