Bonnotherium

Opening Show: 17 November 2017

Story: Sukumar Ray

Adaptation & Direction: Evan Riaz

Storyline:

The organization Wild Vision is primarily dedicated to forest and wildlife research, conservation, and restoration. However, the moment a strange species known as the Tyaash Goru is discovered, the company’s president, Haru, immediately orders its capture. The discovery of such a rare and peculiar creature brings instant fame to Wild Vision.

Hearing the news, a notorious wildlife trader named Miss Hookki arrives, eager to exploit the discovery and find more of these creatures. Amidst this, Chandrakhaai—the nephew of the famous researcher Professor Hensoram Hushiyar—arrives with tales of even stranger wildlife and hidden natural wonders. Chandrakhaai is a scientist, researcher, and a true lover of nature. As Haru and Miss Hookki listen to Chandrakhaai’s accounts of the professor’s bizarre adventures, they become increasingly enthralled—envisioning vast new frontiers for profit. In their greed, they begin to disregard oxygen, the food chain, and the survival of future generations, dreaming instead of turning lush green nature into gray industrial gain. Meanwhile, under the guise of storytelling, Chandrakhaai continues to steer the narrative toward his own ultimate purpose.

Director’s Note:

Sukumar Ray’s Hesoram Hushiyarer Diary (The Diary of Hesoram Hushiyar) is a wonderfully strange and thrilling piece of literature. Opinions about this work vary widely—some dismiss it as pure nonsense, others see it as a deep allegory; some believe it to be early science fiction, while others insist it is simply imaginative fantasy. Regardless of the interpretation, Sukumar Ray created a mesmerizing, dreamlike world through this story, filled with bizarre characters and extraordinary biodiversity.

The year was 2016. Across Bangladesh, people were taking to the streets to protest against projects threatening the Sundarbans, including the Rampal Power Plant. At that very moment, Hesoram Hushiyarer Diary came into my hands. It immediately caught my attention; I felt this was a story through which we could speak about life and nature in a profoundly different way. The challenge, however, was that while the text contained intriguing fragments, it lacked a complete narrative arc for a full-length play. Since Sukumar Ray’s writing carries such a distinctive voice and imaginative essence, it was vital to preserve that unique flavor. For a time, I struggled to weave a cohesive story around it.

While rereading Ray’s verses, I rediscovered “Tyaash Goru”—it felt like a poem that had escaped directly from the pages of Hesoram's diary. Then, another poem, “Bombagorer Raja,” appeared and seemed to provide the final missing piece of the puzzle. In this way, Bonnotherium emerged—a new story born from the spirit of Hesoram Hushiyar.

I owe heartfelt thanks to my mentor, Samina Luthfa Nitra, who guided me with reasoned advice throughout the adaptation process. Another mentor, Kazi Roksana Ruma, helped shape many of the creative concepts during production. Having Mohammad Ali Haider as an advisory director was a true blessing; his guidance enriched me in countless ways.

I am deeply grateful to my colleagues who contributed their creative planning to elevate this play, to the entire cast and crew for their dedication, and to everyone who placed their trust in me—a young, emerging director. With love to Bottala. May art triumph.

Backstage Performers:

Original story, songs, and rhymes: Sukumar Ray

Advising Director: Mohammad Ali Haider

Script Adaptation and Direction: Evan Riaz

Music Composition: Bratto Amin, Evan Riaz, Lochon Palash, and collected pieces

Sound Design: Lochon Palash

Choreography: Samina Luthfa Nitra

Props Design: Pavel Riaz and M. Saeed

Costume Design: Taufiqueue Hasan Bhuiyan and Pavel Riaz

Stage and Lighting Design: Imran Khan Munna

Lighting Assistant: Mir Mohammad Badal

Make-up Design: Chandrabati Eva

Make-up Artists: Sheyuti Sheen Shahgufta, Sanjida Yasmin, Sanjana Farah, Lochon Palash, and Chandrabati Eva

Poster Design: Shahnewaz Efte

Typography: Evan Riaz

Projection: Walid Adnan

Audiovisual Direction: Kazi Roksana Ruma

Graphics: Mahbub Masum

Backstage Voice: Sheyuti Sheen Shahgufta

Ticket Management: Abdul Kader, Evan Riaz, and Manjurul Islam Roni

Production Manager: Sumit Tewari

Management Assistant: Ashraful Islam Ashru

Acknowledgments: Naila Azad Nupur, Jatrik, Dhaka Lit Fest, AIMS Bangladesh, Lalmatia Housing Society School and College

Overall Management: BotTala