Photo Caption: The timeless play ‘Kritodasher Hashi’ (The Laughter of a Slave), penned by Shawkat Osman, will be staged tomorrow, January 28, at 7:00 PM at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, and on January 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Jashore Shilpakala Academy Auditorium.

(Dhaka) January 27, 2025, Monday:

The Department of Theatre of Tagore University of Creative Arts will grace the stage ‘Kritodasher Hashi’, penned by Shawkat Osman. The play will be staged tomorrow, January 28, at 7:00 PM at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, and on January 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Jashore Shilpakala Academy Auditorium. The production is directed by Dr. Sydur Rahman Lipon, the Head of the Theatre Department at Tagore University of Creative Arts.

'Kritodasher Hashi’ explores Love, Envy, and the Cost of Joy. ‘Kritodasher Hashi’ unfolds a poignant tale of love between Mehrajhan and the Habshi slave Tatari. Their unrestrained laughter, born of boundless happiness, eclipses all worldly joys. Yet, this joy becomes a source of envy for the melancholic ruler of Baghdad, Harun Al-Rashid. Consumed by jealousy, he devises a plan to sever their bond, offering Tatari wealth and freedom in exchange for his laughter. However, the separation from Mehrajhan renders Tatari incapable of ever laughing again, leaving a haunting reflection on the price of love and the emptiness of power.

Reflecting on the enduring relevance of ‘Kritodasher Hashi’, director Dr. Sydur Rahman Lipon remarked, “While traditional slavery has been abolished, its essence has evolved into complex, layered forms within today’s neoliberal global socio-economic system. The unchecked dominance of power continues to erode human freedom, confining individuals in invisible chains of dependency. In this era of globalization, a small elite manipulates authority to craft a compliant and submissive class. In such a context, Shawkat Osman’s ‘Kritodasher Hashi’ resonates as both a timeless narrative and a sharp commentary on contemporary realities.”

The presentation is facilitated by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Mohsina Akhter handles set and costume design, Dhiman Chandra Barman is in charge of lighting and acting theory, Abdur Razzaq serves as the assistant director, and S. M. Hasan Ishtiaque takes charge of dance direction.

The audience can enjoy the play by purchasing tickets priced at 500, 300, and 200 BDT. Tickets can be booked online through the link: https://tuca.edu.bd/book-ticket-kritodasher-hashi/ or by directly contacting +8801962841012.

For media inquiry:

Dr. Sydur Rahman Lipon | Email: [email protected]| Mobile: +88018 1989 5862