Extensive Experience

On 11 August, 2023, I had a great opportunity to see a theatrical performance at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. For an assignment work, I had to go there with some of my classmates. I bought the tickets a few days before the show and was excited because I have never seen any theatrical performance before that. 

When the day arrived, I searched for some information about the play for better understanding and went to the show. My friends were there already and then we entered the theatre hall. While entering the hall, I was totally shocked. There were few lights and the theater was really gloomy. That time, I could not even see my friend's faces, but after some time, it became normal. The theatrical group was helping everyone to find the seats. We took our seats and after a while a bell rang then the show began. 

As I mentioned that there were few lights in the hall and those were for the performers. But on the audience's side, there was total darkness. I could not even see who was next to my seat. For this low light, everyone was really lost in the story of the play. There was no disturbance, no interference from anyone. We could clearly realize the depth of every character. 

The play was based on a novel named "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse. It is about self realisation, attaining enlightenment and knowing the nature of truth. It shows a man's life story by his different stages of life and paths he chooses for reaching enlightenment. He meets many people in his way and gains knowledge from them. He sacrifices many things, many relationships for his goal and finally he attains enlightenment. Finally, he understands the real meaning of life. This play really gives me the hints that if a person tries really hard to achieve something, he will definitely get it. 

The performers of the play did a great job. As I have never seen live performances before, I thought it might disappoint me. But, I was amazed by their performance. I like the voice delivery of young Siddhartha which was played by a woman. The performance of Siddhartha's son was really good. His childish behaviour put a comedy into the play. The depth of aged Siddhartha's character showed us the concept of self realisation. In the last moment, Siddhartha realizes that he lost everything but he only had the knowledge, the enlightenment which fulfils his life. 

I like their use of different musical instruments like flute, drums, sitar. Also, their traditional dance performance was perfectly matched with their music.

To conclude, life offers us many opportunities to gain amazing experiences. I never thought an assignment would give me this experience which mesmerised me totally. The theater, the performers, the music, the lightings were so perfect for the play and I think its fulfilled everyone's expectations about that play.