Nattokendro returns to the stage with political allegory Punnah

Renowned theatre troupe Nattokendro is set to stage its 15th production, 'Punnah', at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital this evening (18 August).

Directed by Yusuf Hasan Arko and penned by Badruzzaman Alamgir, the play will be performed at the Experimental Theatre Hall at 7:00pm.

The narrative is anchored in Kakurgachhi, a rural settlement that transforms into a landscape of death following a catastrophic storm. In the direct aftermath of the disaster, the surviving villagers find themselves trapped in a psychological maze, desperately weighing their sins and virtues to make sense of the tragedy. As the community becomes increasingly suffocated by deep-rooted superstitions, brutal violence and hatred begin to consume the area.

According to the creators, the destruction and existential crisis faced by the people of Kakurgachhi serve as a broader metaphor for the struggles and spreading hostility seen across the modern world.

The two-hour production features a strong ensemble cast, bringing together veteran stage actors and fresh talents under Arko's meticulous direction. The lineup includes prominent names such as Jhuna Chowdhury, Iqbal Babu, Sangita Chowdhury, and Kanak, who carry the heavy emotional weight of the drama.

Rather than relying purely on the script, the director has focused on crafting an intense visual and auditory experience. By blending raw performances with striking set designs, sharp lighting, and atmospheric music, Nattokendro aims to deliver a deeply aesthetic and thought-provoking show for the capital's theatre enthusiasts.