DRDO scientists and their family members have staged a play "Kaktarua – the Scarecrow"

Happy Durga Puja

Krishti Goshti, a socio-cultural group at DRDO Township, Hyderabad, has staged a play, " Kaktarua – the Scarecrow" as part of its cultural programme during Durga Puja celebrations. The play was performed by the DRDO scientists and their family members.

Almost 250 people from different communities have witnessed the plays. The play is written & directed by Anindya Biswas.

Stage-craft and lighting were designed by Pulak Halder. Two months of effort in giving shape to these plays paid off and the presentations enthralled the audience. 

Play: Kaktarua

The story unfolds in Gour Bangla about 800 years ago. Rulers of Delhi and Bengal Sultanates, poor villagers and Genghis Khan are the central characters here. And there is Kaktarua – the Scarecrow.

There is a rumour- the Great Khan is coming to Gour. Genghis Khan – mere reference of whose name is enough to run shiver down the spine of greatest of the kings. Pingala, Ulka, Kesto and many other villagers are even claiming to have seen Genghis! Villagers fear for their life as Chinese trader Hujin narrates the gruesome tales of barbarism of Genghis. The rumour creates a panic among the ruling class of Delhi and Bengal - after all Bengal is that goose that lays golden eggs. Sultan Iltutmis comes running from Delhi. Local governor Mardan and his right hand Giyas get more violent and impatient with the locals. Old Morshed thinks the Genghis rumour has spoilt the local leaders' sinister plans. As the villagers wait for an impending doom, Sabitri's unhappy marriage with Lakkhan hits rock bottom.

The play attempts to capture these questions: Is the Great Khan really coming to Gour! Genghis Khan! Who knows the truth? Probably it is that Scarecrow – that keeps watching silently with its mischevious smile. All the artists have done justice to their characters. Set and light design deserves praise for the abstract presentation of the story.