Theatre troupe Prachyanat brings a compelling new production to the Dhaka stage, presenting Byatikrom O Niyom, a Bangla reimagining of Bertolt Brecht’s celebrated political play The Exception and the Rule. Directed by Azad Abul Kalam and adapted by Shahidul Mamun, this version speaks directly to today’s Bangladesh — offering sharp reflection on injustice, power, and accountability.
Set in a fictional desert, the story trails a wealthy merchant, his porter, and a local guide as they navigate a treacherous journey. Tension and distrust lead to a deadly misunderstanding, culminating in a courtroom drama that raises urgent questions about the nature of justice — and who gets to define it.
“This adaptation isn’t just a translation — it’s a reinvention,” said Mamun. “The desert may seem far away, but the silence, the trial, the imbalance of power — these are ours too.”
The production blends stark visual storytelling with haunting soundscapes and stylised movement. Designer Shaiful Islam’s minimalist set, Neel Kamrul’s original music, and choreography by Snata Shahrin add rich emotional depth, echoing the themes of marginalisation and institutional failure.
The play has been deeply influenced by recent political unrest, particularly the 2024 Monsoon Uprising. Mamun’s script makes Brecht’s anti-capitalist parable strikingly local, turning the merchant into “Sindbad” — a figure at once mythical and disturbingly real.
“This isn’t just Brecht for the sake of theatre—it’s a mirror to our society,” said director Kalam. “We’re asking who benefits from the law and who is always left outside it.”
Featuring acclaimed actors Shatabdi Wadud, Sakhawat Hossain Rezvi, and Diana Maryline, the cast delivers a performance that resists easy emotion, inviting audiences to think rather than simply feel.
Byatikrom O Niyom will be performed on July 18 and 19 at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Entry is free and open to the public.
More than a play, it’s a challenge: to reflect, to question, and to recognise the exceptions that still shape the rules.
