A fresh stage show called “Tabula Rasa” is set to premiere at the Natmondol Auditorium of the University of Dhaka. The production, under the direction of Professor Ahmedul Kabir, will run for three evenings starting from Tuesday.
Drawing inspiration from the renowned works of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, the script for “Tabula Rasa” combines elements from three of Ibsen’s famous plays – “A Doll’s House,” “Peer Gynt,” and “The Wild Duck.”
Professor Kabir highlighted that the production, a unique venture within the department’s academic curriculum, delves into various themes prevalent in Ibsen’s works like life, human relationships, social issues, and political realities. While maintaining the essence of Ibsen’s original concepts, the script has been creatively reimagined for the stage.
The title “Tabula Rasa,” which translates to “blank slate” in Latin, signifies the exploration of non-verbal communication through physical gestures and movements by the performers, in addition to verbal dialogues.
The play is a collaborative effort by first-semester postgraduate students of the Theatre and Performance Studies Department, aiming to introduce them to diverse theatrical traditions and foster innovative expressions.
Professor Kabir hopes that the production will spark contemplation among viewers on pressing contemporary topics such as gender-based violence and social disparities.
