"Shonibaar" - part of Konthye Kotha, Natye Rongo

An audio play by Off-Kendrik members under the mentorship and guidance of Amar Chattopadhyay Amar Kumar Chattopadhyay and Mayuri Mitra. Shonibaar is written by Badal Sircar.

Cast: Maa - Urmi Purakayastha. Sunanda - Mausumi Datta Dey. Sagarika - Dipanwita Bhattacharyya. Poritosh, Bishu and Boss - Souvik Chattopadhyay. Dibyendu and Baba - Arup Dey.

Event date: January to mid- April (2021). Enjoy this audio play: Click here

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Konthye Kotha, Natye Rongo ( কন্ঠে কথা, নাট্যে রঙ্গ ) was a two part workshop organized by Off-Kendrik for its members starting in January and ending in mid- April (2021). The objective of the workshop was vocal training for theater, audio plays, poetry and story reading. The workshop was run over Zoom by Amar Chattopadhyay and Mayuri Mitra (Noto Theater Troupe) from Kolkata. A total of 12 participants were divided into two equal groups of six. Classes were for one hour each thrice a week for each group. The groups alternated each week.

For the first session the focus was on vocal training and proper reading of text. There were a total of ten classes. Emphasis was placed on breathing techniques, pitch and volume control, articulation through proper pronunciation and enunciation and developing concentration techniques. Several classes were dedicated to reading a story “Beral”(বেড়াল) from “Kamalakanter Doptor”(কমলাকান্তের দপ্তর) by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

The second session was focused on using the techniques developed in the first session and applying it to a set of audio plays. A critical technique developed during this period was character development. Various devices were used to develop characters. As the play development progressed, each group worked together on the production including music, recording and editing of the play. Overall, the workshop provided Off-Kendrik members the tools and techniques required to develop audio plays.