Artists: AZAD Abul Kalam Fazlur RAHMAN, and Amy TROMPETTER
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One night in 1947, in the city of Dhaka, a riot broke out between Hindus and Muslims. The government imposed a curfew, Law 144, which forbid anyone from leaving their house. The story of Adab begins with two religious enemies who find themselves trapped together in a garbage bin, hiding from a volley of bullets that do not distinguish their allegiances. As the riot storms overhead, the two men discover a stronger power in their common humanity than in their philosophical differences. The tale is set in Bengal during the Partition, but has resonance far beyond religion and geography. Framed in a theatrical style that is earthy and immediate, it combines zestful storytelling with popular music. In this multi-faceted work, two Bangla artists, Azad Abul Kalam and M. Fazlur Rahman, unite with puppeteer/mask-maker Amy Trompetter to develop a vibrant visual historical context that fuses ancient and new theatrical techniques.
Bangladeshi theater
influences include Putul Nach, a village marionette theater, Pala storytelling,
and contemporary styles. Bangladeshi musical influences include Puthi,
Bhatiali, Pala, and Jatra. Poetic excerpts are from "The Beauteous
Bengal" by Jibanananda Das. Other dance and music influences are
from Bali, Myanmar, India, China, Japan, and Ghana.