Gananatya Nabanatya Satnatya O Shambhu Mitra

• Author: Shaoli Mitra
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9789350404829
• Pages: 284
• Format: Hardcover
• Weight: 400 g

Description

Gananatya Nabanatya Satnatya O Shambhu Mitra is a historical account that intertwines the evolution of the Bengali theatre movement with the significant contributions of Shambhu Mitra, one of its key figures. This book focuses on the intricate political and social backdrop that shaped the theatre scene, particularly through Mitra's works.

• Historical Context: The narrative starts by exploring the birth of the iconic play Nabanna (The Harvest), which was deeply influenced by the political turbulence of the time, including World War II, the August Movement of 1942, the Bengal famine of 1943, the riots of 1946, and the Partition of India in 1947.

• Shambhu Mitra's Role: The book delves into how Shambhu Mitra's involvement with the Communist Party shaped his theatrical work and explores the unique political and social conditions that influenced the creation of his plays. It raises key questions about how the theatre movement evolved in this era of political upheaval.

• The Evolution of Theatre: The author investigates how the socio-political changes in Bengal led to a transformation in the nature of plays and performances. It reflects on how Andhokarer Natok (The Play of Darkness) came into being and what it meant for the theatre world at that time.

• Social and Political Impact: The book also explores the broader impact of the theatre movement on Bengali society, shedding light on the changing roles of the common man in society and how the social fabric was depicted in plays.

• Author's Perspective: Written by Shaoli Mitra, the daughter of renowned theatre personalities Shambhu Mitra and Tripti Mitra, this work provides a personal and insightful look at the history of Bengali theatre. Growing up in a theatre-oriented family, Shaoli Mitra's understanding of the subject is both intimate and academic.

• A Family Legacy: The book reflects not only on the theatre career of Shambhu Mitra but also on the broader cultural influence his family had on the evolution of Bengali theatre. The Mitras' contribution to both the stage and social consciousness is thoroughly examined, offering a detailed perspective on the theatre landscape of that time.

• About the Author: Shaoli Mitra was born in Kolkata in 1948 to famous theatre personalities Shambhu Mitra and Tripti Mitra. Raised in an environment rich with theatre, she followed in her parents' footsteps and became an accomplished playwright, director, and performer. Her career spans from 1983 to 2005, with her works published in both Bengali and English. She has also written books of essays, short stories, and biographies, further enriching the world of Bengali literature and theatre.