Dhaka Padatik will present the 44th staging of its acclaimed production "Trial of Surya Sen" on July 17 at 7:00pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The production, the troupe's 38th, revisits the mock trial and execution of revolutionary Masterda Surya Sen, one of the foremost leaders of the anti-British freedom movement in Bengal. Blending historical events with theatrical storytelling, the play explores the final chapter of Surya Sen's life and the ideals that shaped his struggle.
The play was written and originally directed by Ekushey Padak recipient Masum Aziz. Following his death, veteran actor-director Nader Chowdhury assumed responsibility for the revived production, introducing subtle refinements to its staging and visual design while preserving Aziz's original vision.
Since its premiere, the production has earned praise for its compelling historical narrative, powerful dialogue, and ambitious staging. It has also travelled beyond Bangladesh, with two performances in New Delhi, where it received positive responses from audiences and theatre critics alike.
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Speaking about directing the revived production, Nader Chowdhury said, "'Trial of Surya Sen' is an important historical play based on the anti-British movement. It was written and directed by Masum Aziz. After his passing, I took on the responsibility of restaging the production, making only those changes that were necessary. I also portray Masterda Surya Sen on stage. It is a play that the younger generation should certainly experience."
Featuring nearly 40 characters, the production brings to life several prominent figures of the 1930 Chattogram Uprising, including Surya Sen, Kalpana Datta, Tarakeswar Dastidar, Pritilata Waddedar, Ambika Chakrabarty, Nirmal Sen and Netra Sen, alongside British officials and Bengali lawyers.
The cast includes Nader Chowdhury, Mahbuba Haque Kumkum, Monjurul Islam Nantu, Sabiha Zaman, Hasnahena Shilpi, Mamun Ur Rashid, Shyamal Hasan, Rabiul Milton, Akhtar Hossain, Tarek Ali Milon, Atikur Rahman, Al Amin Swapan, Suman Ghosh, Farzana Nipa, Arif, Maksud, and Zahid, among others.
The production features lighting design by Zakaria Kiran, music direction by Abul Bashar Sohel, and stage management by Shyamal Hasan.
Premiering on January 18, 2018, "Trial of Surya Sen" has gone on to become one of Dhaka Padatik's signature productions, with successful performances at home and abroad, cementing its place among Bangladesh's most notable contemporary historical plays.
