Our annual Bangla Natok always adds a unique flavor to rich cultural kaleidoscope of Singapore Bengali Association functions. Months of rehearsals to perfect the expressions,  voice deliveries,  and other finer elements attempt to raise the quality bar continuously. And in the process , it  creates an unique  bonding  amongst  all the participants.

This year , two plays were held on the evening of 17th June . The first one “Shuddho Matir Sandhaney ( Quest for Truth ) ” was staged  primarily by the children , amply supported  by  senior actors.  The drama , through the eyes of a school girl , portrayed   how effortlessly in daily life , one takes recourse of  lies of omission or  white lies  that best suit  his / her convenience .  While the girl becomes saddened with  the  pain of contradictions and conflicts,  she  hopes for a  new beginning  when truth  and honesty will reign one day .  A very universal theme that was presented  superbly  in a very natural way  by  our junior  and senior actors who kept the audience mesmerized . 

In contrast , the 2nd play , performed  exclusively by  senior  members , had  an hilarious theme. “ PuntiRamayan ”  set  on  very popular Ramayana ,  is  about a trader  Puntiram from 21st century , hurled  back  ten thousand years  into the Kingdom  of Ravana and how  he succeeds  in influencing  everyone and  imparts  his own  governing system  in  all areas of administration .   The audience  roared with laughter  at the  witty  and hilarious conversations  linking the two worlds separated by a huge time gap. It was great amusement to watch  how  Puntiram  and Hanuman  changed the course of history  even before the arrival of Lord Rama .

The majestic  and well designed costumes  brought out the  mythological  characters in  full glory .  The audience was enthralled by the  professional  quality acting of all participants .

Both the dramas  were  directed by  Mr. Nikhilesh  Gupta  who  also played the role of  Puntiram  in the 2nd drama .

Does drama have a  different appeal ?  May be .  One avid drama enthusiast , who has been  watching drama  organized by  Bengali Association over many years  , presented  a special memento  of appreciation  to the  Drama team for their excellent performance , enthusiasm , passion  and great team work .  It was  a  befitting  finale  to   the  coordinated  effort  put  up by everyone.