In a bid to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, Shunyan Repertory Theatre is set to stage its latest production, "Atmajoy". The play's premiere will be held today at 6:30 pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. A second performance will follow tomorrow at the same venue and time.

In recent years, the alarming rise in suicide rates among the youth has been a matter of concern. Societal pressures, relationship struggles, academic and professional failures, financial crises, and family conflicts have all been identified as key factors exacerbating mental stress. "Atmajoy" aims to convey the message that standing by one another and offering mental support can help prevent suicide. The play is written by Momena Chowdhury and directed by Shamim Sagar.

This marks the first time Momena Chowdhury, a seasoned stage performer, has penned a script for the theatre. Reflecting on her experience, Momena said, "Writing is not new to me, but venturing into scriptwriting for the stage was a leap I took thanks to the encouragement of playwright Mannan Hira. I have always preferred to work on contemporary and pressing social issues. Suicide, especially among the youth, has spiked alarmingly in recent times. Mental stress, family and social isolation, and an unhealthy culture of competition have pushed many into the depths of loneliness, making them lose the will to live. Can't we truly do something about it? It was in seeking the answer to this question that I wrote 'Atmojoy'."

Director Shamim Sagar adds, "Suicide is a complex social and psychological issue, viewed differently across cultures and philosophies. Modern psychology suggests it is a temporary crisis that can be prevented. Through cultural mediums like theatre, we can raise awareness and offer pathways to address such crises, which is what we aim to do with 'Atmajoy'."

The cast of "Atmajoy" includes Momena Chowdhury, Tahmina Sultana Mou, Munira Avani, Rafiqul Rocky, and Tanvir Sunny. Tandu Royhan handled lighting design, Pran Roy took charge of stage design, and the music was composed by Nirzhar Chowdhury.

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