Chhayanaut honors Rabindranath Tagore on 85th death anniversary with performance of Shyama
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Chhayanaut, one of the country’s premier cultural institutions, honored the 85th death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on Thursday with a stirring performance of his celebrated dance-drama, “Shyama.” Held at the Chhayanaut Sangskriti-Bhaban auditorium in Dhanmondi, the evening served as a tribute to the literary giant whose works remain central to the cultural identity of the Bengali-speaking world.
Tagore, who was born in 1861, reshaped the landscape of world literature through his vast contributions to poetry, music, fiction, drama, and philosophical essays. Even decades after his passing on the 22nd day of Srabon in 1941, his creative legacy continues to resonate deeply within the performing arts and the daily lives of his readers.
The choice of “Shyama”—one of the poet’s final and most profound works—offered an exploration of love, justice, guilt, and sacrifice. The narrative centers on the court dancer Shyama, whose desperate attempt to save her beloved, the foreign merchant Bajrasen, from a false death sentence leads to the tragic sacrifice of an innocent youth. When Bajrasen discovers the cost of his freedom, the joy of their union is eclipsed by the crushing weight of his moral conscience.
The emotional intensity of the performance was carried by the iconic compositions that define the dance-drama. Songs such as “Mayabanbiharini Harini” and “Amar Jibanpatra Uchhaliya” were rendered with precision by the Chhayanaut artists, drawing the audience into the complex ethical dilemmas woven into the script. The dialogue and music combined to create a poignant reflection on the human condition that remains as relevant today as it was during the poet’s lifetime.
The production featured Manisha Sarkar as Shyama, Dipra Nishant as Bajrasen, and Sanjay Banik as Uttiyo, with Arnab Barua and Injamam Ul Hossain appearing as the Guard and the Friend, respectively. Tania Mannan provided the narration, while ATM Jahangir led the music direction. The overall staging and conceptualization were overseen by Sharmila Banerjee, whose direction brought a sensitive and disciplined grace to the stage.
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