Tales to tell....: Spandan Presents- ABBUSLISH

“All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances,

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages...."

William Shakespeare

I had read "As You Like It" in class seven, though I don't remember the story completely, yet the above stated famous lines have always stayed with me. I don't know how well I am able to enact my parts on this stage of life, but when I am literally on the stage with huge number of eyes staring at me, I love the chill that goes down the spine. The stage has always beckoned me, for plays, extempore, songs and dances, I have always enjoyed the spot light on me. And from the last three years, I am thoroughly enjoying my association with Spandan more so because I am associated with plays that are staged each year on Durga Puja. Well for people who doesn’t know, Spandan is a socio-cultural non-profit organisation that indulges into social activities and festivities, bringing and binding people together.

Staging a play is the final product but what goes into making that is the journey that remains. Memoirs, humor and a lot of hard work, shapes the dough to delectable shapes, colors and more. And with us the situation is more critical, as almost everyone who participates in the play are working and hugely occupied, yet are driven by passion to join the cultural activities. But the real scenario is not as rosy, as I have been portraying so far. Driven by passion is one thing and driving for hours in Mumbai to reach the rehearsal venue is another!!!phew! And then committing is one thing and keeping the commitment juggling meetings and appraisals in another! hmmmm!! So like each year, this year too we had started with humongous enthusiasm, but keeping it up was a task to be accomplished.

The functioning started with a “Whatsapp” group creation called “Natok- Pujo 2015” which is customary and handy these days, at times I wonder how we had survived before this era of online texting. Nevertheless, instead of sounding outdated, I will carry on with my narrative. Firstly the person who inspired me to write this one, is super talented Snehasis, who was the director of the play but cringes when called so. Frankly his passion for dramatics is one of its kind and drove the entire team to perform to perfection. Off-course his efforts were helped by the expert presence of Sumitda, Rakhidi, Indraneelda and Prosunda, without whose efforts nothing was possible.

The rehearsals for Abbulish (the name of the play) were fun filled. We drove for kilometers to reach there in time, ummm...well..not always did we make it in time. However the tea, samosa and other delicacies, not to forget the tangy adda sessions (meaning: gossip or discussion, whatever suits you) made up for our efforts. Yes, Yes we did rehearse too, otherwise how would it be possible to perform? huh? But then there was always the attendance issue and Snehasis's incessant reminders to get people under the same roof. Hats off to his patience!

The rehearsals were going fine. Happily! But wait....two characters were yet to be cast and time...well...ummm...not much left! Oh My God!! One was the characterless politician's secretary and the other a sultry siren domestic help!!! The later was almost an impossible task to locate but for the former we got someone very apt, Chandrajitda!! What a showman!! And for the maid "BANI's" role...don't misunderstand, we don't lack hotness in our association, but the role wasn't appealing to most! There was a point when we were forcing Snehasis to dress like a women and do the role...believe me!!

As always...time moved on at its own sweet pace...and soon we realized that the women (three cheers to us!!) had all mugged up well, especially ReshmiDi...who had tremendous amount of dialogues...and men...well...ummm...yup they were trying too....

However finally the night arrived, we all got decked up in the makeup room and waited for the moment to arrive and indeed it arrived and how gracefully! The play started with perfection and ended with perfection, one of the best experiences of my participation in play so far.

While Reshmidi was outstanding,

Shubhoda marvelous,

Chandrajitda stole the show,

And Arnabda was fabulous.

Sreemoyi had a challenge to face,

Which she did effortlessly,

Siddharthda a first-timer,

Was awesome and acted laminarly.

The lovely duo Mainak and Bidisha,

Graced the stage deliciously,

Effervescent Shubhenduda ,

Was great on stage commendably.

Avishek and I did our bit,

Hope we could do it well,

The exuberant dance in between

Was like the pearl inside a shell.

What do I write for Snehasis,

He was the soul of the play,

He symbolized the saying,

where there is a will, there is a way.

A big thank you to Sumitda,

For his priceless guidance,

Rakhidi, Indraneelda and Prosunda,

Prevented any subsidence.

From invisible Bani to tangible applause,

Each bit of the play is cherished with love,

Thank you Spandan for allowing us,

To showcase to the world whatever little we have!!

ABBULISH

Pujor natok darun mojar "Abbulish Abbulish"

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

A QUICK SEE THROUGH...A PICTORIAL JOURNEY

THE INTRO:-) By Rakhi Biswas, Prosun Roy and Snehasis Batabyal, could not get an appropriate frame with the three together including Prosun da :-(...Do share if you have one.

SCENE 1: The Laugh Riot has begun....

Subhabrata Biswas (The lawyer, Satyapriyo Chowdhury), Chandrajit Mitra (Secretary, Dibyendu Dutta) and Arnab Chakrabaty (The political leader, Taraknath Brahma)....

SCENE 2: Hmmm a bit of Romance...though not for long

Reshmi Ganguly (Lawyer's Wife, Nandita), Avishek (Tutor, Jishu) and Me (Lawyer's daughter, Priyanka)....

SCENE 3: The dream sequence...

Sreemoyi Mukherjee (Grandmother), Oindrila and Rashika (The graceful dance performers)...

SCENE 4 and rest: The fun has begun...the dream comes true

Bidisha Chatterjee (Family friend and Satyapriyo's ex-love interest, Arpita), Mainak Chatterjee (Nandita's Brother, Chondrochur), Siddhartha Banerjee (Nandita's Father), Subhendu Kesh (Arpita's husband, Nandita's ex-love interest, Robijyoti).