After nearly two decades, Manipuri Theatre is bringing its acclaimed production "Dhwojo Mestorir Moron" back to the stage. The play, which portrays the tragic life of Dhwojo Mestori — a master builder of traditional Manipuri homes — will be staged in a renewed form on Saturday at 7 pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka.
Originally premiered in 2005, the play ran for several shows and quickly gained popularity. Manipuri Theatre announced in a statement that the production has undergone revisions and new additions for its latest iteration. Alongside the original performers, a new ensemble of actors has joined the cast this time.
Following its opening show in Dhaka, the play will be staged again on Sunday at 7 pm at Jahangirnagar University's Selim Al Deen Muktamanch as part of the Arfi Cultural Festival.
The narrative follows Dhwojo, a renowned carpenter in a Manipuri neighbourhood, whose craftsmanship once shaped many traditional homes. Over time, all the houses he built disappear, leaving only his own home as the last remaining symbol of his life's work.
But modernity creeps in. Dhwojo's own sons eventually demolish the house to construct a new building, erasing the final trace of their father's legacy. When neighbours carry away the debris, Dhwojo feels as though they are bearing away his own corpse — a metaphor for the death of memory, labour and heritage.
The play is adapted from a story by Sritikumar Singh, with script and direction by Shubhajit Sinha. Presented in a blend of Bangla and Bishnupriya Manipuri, the production features Jyoti Sinha as the narrator. Samarjit Singh and Bidhan Singh portray the younger and older Dhwojo respectively.
The cast also includes Swarnali Sinha, Shiuli Sinha, Subarna Sinha, Rajkanta Singh, Diptangshu Singh, Ruhit Singh, Simanto Singh, Anannya Sinha, Swarnali Sharma and others.
Music direction is by Sharmila Sinha, with Roni Singh and Anjana Sinha on instruments. Lighting design is by Aslam Aranya, while Sajal Kanti Singh designed the poster. Production management is handled by Apon Singh and Debjit Singh.
