Jibanananda Das—often described as the silent sage of modern Bengali poetry—remains a towering figure in Bengali literature, revered and debated in equal measure. His introspective verse, existential musings, and the quiet loneliness that permeates his poetry make him both a literary enigma and an emotional touchstone. Bringing such a complex figure to life on stage is no small feat. Yet that is exactly what the theatre group Theatre Factory, along with well-wishers from the cultural scene, has set out to do with their latest production “Komola Rong-er Bodh” (The Orange Hue of Consciousness).
This one-and-a-half-hour theatrical performance centers on the life and work of Jibanananda Das—not just as a biographical narrative, but as a deep dive into the poet’s inner world. The production aims to capture his intellectual solitude, his struggle with time and identity, and the rich emotional texture of his poetry. According to the creators, the play is not merely a retelling of Jibanananda’s life, but an introspective journey through his philosophical landscape.
The play will have four shows over three days—on May 22, 23, and 24 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)—at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. Timings and ticket information are available on Theatre Factory’s official social media pages.
Written and directed by Alok Basu, Komola Rong-er Bodh is poised to offer audiences a unique theatrical experience. For those who wish to rediscover Jibanananda Das or explore the hidden shades of his poetic vision, this production promises a rare opportunity.
In a world where poetry is increasingly being sidelined, The Orange Hue of Consciousness brings it back to center stage—literally and metaphorically.