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Adab
Artists: AZAD Abul
Kalam Fazlur RAHMAN, and Amy TROMPETTER
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for Real Player versionTwo choices to view video excerpts from Adab
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.
