Prithok Palonko

Prithok Palonko (A Palanquin of One’s Own) by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) UK

Doors 6.30pm I Show 7.30pm

Bangla/English | 60 minutes

10+

Synopsis: This play tells the legendary love story of iconic Bengali poet Abul Hasan and scholar-poet Suraiya Khanum. It is set in the post-independence era of Bangladesh. Suraiya Khanum is a brilliant Cambridge graduate and advocate for Bangladesh’s independence. She returns to teach at Dhaka University in the early 1970s, becoming a muse for young poets. There, she falls in love with Abul Hasan, a celebrated modern poet. Their love blossoms, and they continue to inspire one another’s poetry. Hasan’s life is cut short in 1975, leaving Suraiya devastated.The play also explores parallels with Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. It embraces the confessional movement of the mid-20th century. It highlights the profound influence of love upon poetry and the impact of love and loss on the oeuvre of these writers. It depicts the solace of nature as an escape from personal turmoil. The enduring legacy of Hasan and Khanum’s poetry is a testament to their profound connection.

About the Company: Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, UK (BSK, UK) engage the community through events in Bengali and English. They run festivals and workshops. These help forge connections between participants from diverse backgrounds.