The plays of William Shakespeare will come alive in two pandals in Kolkata during Durga Puja as the British Council, in partnership with Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab and Ballygunge Cultural Association, has decided to infuse international culture with traditional Bengali-themed pujas. Short extracts of 37 plays of the bard will be screened at the two abovementioned puja pandals on all the days during Durga puja.
The 10-minute long videos of each play, staged in London, will be shown in large screens to provide a Shakespearean feel to pandal-hoppers. The idea behind this innovative theme is to blend the cultures of the two countries.
East India, British Council director Debanjan Chakrabarti said, “Every year, people from foreign countries are coming to Kolkata during Durga puja and such international themed pujas will help them connect with our culture.” Secretary of Ballygunge Cultural Association, Anjan Ukil said, “With the globalisation of culture, we are trying to take Durga puja to an International level. Two large screens will be installed at strategic positions which will screen the plays for the visitors standing in the queue.” A trustee of Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity, Dulal Chand Seal said, “This year we are doing something different by going beyond the traditional concept and bringing in cultural diversity to connect with the international audience.” Meanwhile, to celebrate the festive spirit, the library of British Council will be accessible to the general public for free during the month of October.
