Bertolt Brecht in Modern Bengali Theatre
Sayanti Ghatak, Ph. D. Scholar, Rabindra Bharati University Abstract: This study delves into the introduction of the proscenium stage in Bengali theater, attributing its debut to Gerasim Stepenevich Lebedev on November 27, 1795. Lebedev, a foreign literature enthusiast, not only marked this historical moment by presenting the first proscenium play in Bengal but also translated a foreign play, “The Destroy,” into Bengali as “Kalpanik Sambandal.” Consequently, foreign translated dramas, particularly those of Bertolt Brecht, significantly influenced Bengali theater. Brecht’s epic theater, known for its socio-political commentary, found resonance in Bengal. Despite being born in 1898, Brecht’s impact on global theater, shaped by two world wars, fascinated Bengali playwrights and directors. Notably, Ajitesh Bandyopadhyay, a key figure in Bengali theater, highlighted Brecht’s innovative staging techniques, drawing parallels between Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle and traditional Sanskrit drama. The study examines how Brecht’s plays, with their distinctive blend of music, ballads, and stylized performances, were integrated into Bengali Read More …