Artistes of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other theatre groups in Dhaka staged a play “Eksho Bosta Chal” (Hundred Sacks of Rice) at Mymensingh Shilpakala Academy auditorium on November 25.
An adaptation of a play by Yuzo Yamamoto, directed by Golam Sarwar the play, drew a huge audience. The drama is a collaborative production of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.
The play based on a true story that occurred in Japan about 140 years ago is set against the backdrop of the transitional period of 'Shogunate era' to 'Meiji' resurrection.
After the 'Boshin War' (1868-69), the legendary Japanese warriors, Samurai, had to constantly endure poverty. As a result like many other Japanese domains, people of Nagaoka became corrupt. "Eksho Bosta Chal" symbolises the fact that human beings can keep alive a dream in any circumstances.
The protagonist of the play, Kobayashi Torasaburo, the chief counsellor of Nagaoka, instead of distributing 100 sacks of rice to the poor Samurais, decides to establish a school. His reasoning was that the Samurais could not get rid of poverty with the small amount of rice, but if a school is established it would generate wealth worth tens of thousands of sacks of rice.
A discussion was held earlier.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh Mahbub Alam Talukder, District Cultural Officer Md. Shamsul Haque, Sarah Ara Mahmud of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, director of the play Golam Sarwar and First Secretary of Japanese Embassy to Bangladesh, among others addressed the meeting. Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh Lokman Hossain Miah presided over the meeting.
The speakers were of the view that through the play we learn that Japan embarked on significant initiatives for education 140 years ago.
The play symbolises the fact that human beings can keep alive a dream under any circumstances. Investment in education is the most productive as it ensures the highest returns, said the speakers. Through this drama the message "Value of Education” will be spread among the masses, they said.
Through the play, portraying Japanese culture and custom, the audience got a glimpse of ancient Japan.