'Trial of Surya Sen' brings revolutionary history to the stage

Dhaka Padatik staged the 44th performance of its historical production, Trial of Surya Sen, on Friday evening at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, bringing one of the country's most celebrated revolutionary figures back to the stage.

Originally written and directed by the late renowned theatre personality Masum Aziz and later re-directed by Nader Chowdhury, Trial of Surya Sen is the theatre group's 38th production. 

The play revisited the mock trial and execution of Masterda Surya Sen, a prominent leader of the anti-British independence movement, while also highlighting the contributions of fellow revolutionaries such as Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutta, Ambika Roy and Nirmal Sen.

Drawing on historical events, the production portrayed the colonial administration's treatment of Surya Sen and explored the sacrifices made by those who fought against British rule. 

Rather than serving as a straightforward retelling of history, the play used historical events as a framework to encourage audiences to reflect on justice, resistance and the enduring relevance of Surya Sen's ideals.

The performance marked the 44th staging of the production, underscoring its continued resonance with theatre audiences. Through its blend of history and drama, Trial of Surya Sen reaffirmed Dhaka Padatik's commitment to presenting productions that preserve the stories of Bangladesh's freedom fighters and inspire contemporary audiences to engage with the country's anti-colonial legacy.