Since time immemorial, Shomoy has been a voice for the masses. Committed to promoting a healthy culture and fostering national artistry in its purest form, Shomoy also showcases global cultural treasures and highlights the spirit of the liberation war through its cultural offerings. Initially focused on mass music, the organization gradually shifted to producing path plays and later stage plays.
Celebrating its 46th anniversary on May 5, 2023, Shomoy remains one of Bangladesh's most popular theater groups. Established on May 5, 1977, Shomoy is a cultural movement and a pioneer in raising social awareness. Over the years, the group has produced notable path dramas such as Kabar, Referee, Janani Beerangana, Ekhane Ekhono, and Gonorai, as well as acclaimed stage plays like Asman Tara Sharee, Ekattarer Khudiram, Vager Manush, Sada Ghora, Shesh Songlap, and Jojati.
To commemorate the founding anniversary, Shomoy will stage its popular play 'Vager Manush' at the Experimental Theater Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday, May 5th, at 7 pm. Adapted from Pakistani writer Sa'dat Hasan Manto's short story 'Tobatek Singh,' 'Vager Manush' is dramatized by Mannan Heera and directed by esteemed dramatist Ali Zaker. This production marks Shomoy's 26th offering, and it has been showcasing the play both nationally and internationally since 1997. The talented cast includes Pavel Islam, Aktaruzzaman, Yamin Jewel, Rezaur Rahman Rizon, Fakhrul Islam Mithu, Mahmudul Alam, Mansoora Rashid Lovely, Tofail Sarkar, Sunita Barua, Alamgir Hossain, Moushumi Akhter, Mominul Haque Sani, Chandan Bose, Rakibul Hasan, Saif, and others.
Set a few years after the 1947 partition of the country, 'Vager Manush' captures a time when the tensions of World War II were still lingering and communal animosity had not yet subsided. Efforts to provide civic relief by connecting people to geographical boundaries had just started, but the anguish, anger, and pain of losing loved ones still burned in people's hearts. The division of love, friendship, and affection among people led to the creation of two countries, Pakistan and India, on the subcontinent's soil. The division of countries meant the division of people, maps, and geography, leading to an exchange game between the two nations: people for people, religion for religion, and madness for madness. The play 'Vager Manush' masterfully illustrates such a story.
