Speaker: Avik Bhattacharya (Editor, Vabna Theatre Magazine)

On September 25, 2021, a seminar of great significance unfolded within the walls of our own rehearsal room, with Avik Bhattacharya as the distinguished conductor. This gathering saw the participation of 45 dedicated members, all eager to delve into the topic at hand: the centenary celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s masterpiece, ‘Raktakarabi’ (The Red Oleanders). This symbolic drama, marking its 100th year on April 26, 2023, has remained a cornerstone of Bengali literature and theater.

During the four-hour-long seminar, the discourse revolved around the myriad interpretations ‘Raktakarabi’ has garnered from scholars over the years. It was fascinating to explore how this timeless piece has been adapted and performed with minor modifications while preserving its fundamental structure. Even in the contemporary context, ‘Raktakarabi’ continues to hold relevance, a testament to the enduring power of Tagore’s vision.

The insights and knowledge shared during this educational seminar have proven invaluable to our ongoing production of ‘Raktakarabi,’ enriching our understanding of this classic work and infusing our creative efforts with newfound depth and perspective.