Rahul Das Gupta’s play ‘Aajo Iago’ holds a mirror to society, written by Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

Shakespeare’s Othello has long served as a canvas for exploring themes of jealousy, manipulation, and societal divisions. In the Bengali play Aajo Iago (41 minutes and two seconds, YouTube), these very elements take a contemporary and unsettling turn, highlighting how the Iagos of today continue to inject hatred and enmity into society. Directed by Rahul Das Gupta, Aajo Iago is a play within a play, where reality and fiction blur, creating a poignant commentary on trust, faith, and communal disharmony.

The play unfolds as a performance of Othello, in which Kamalesh plays the titular role, while Sahana Akhtar Sanai portrays Desdemona. As the tragic climax nears and Kamalesh grips Sanai’s throat in a dramatic act, the stage transforms into a battlefield of real-world conflicts. The performance ceases to remain mere fiction—it becomes a reflection of the distrust and prejudices that plague communities divided by religion, language, and ethnicity.

Kamalesh and Sanai, meant to represent Othello and Desdemona, soon find themselves swept into a deeper storm, one not crafted by Shakespeare but by the societal forces around them. The play forces its audience to ask a pressing question: Have Kamalesh and Sanai, like so many others, been infected by the modern-day virus of hatred?

The character of Iago, Shakespeare’s master manipulator, has survived the test of time, manifesting in various forms across generations. In ‘Aajo Iago’, Iago is not just one person—it is a symbol of the unseen forces that thrive on division and hatred. The play brilliantly equates the spread of communal enmity with a virus, a subtle nod to the pandemic era where the fear of infection was constant. But while the world has learned to test and combat physical viruses, the question remains: Are we willing to test for the virus of hate that spreads unchecked in our minds and hearts?

‘Aajo Iago’ thrives not only on its thought-provoking narrative but also on the sheer brilliance of its cast and crew. With actors like Amlan Nag, Sangeeta Goswami, Dr. Joyashri Dey, and Saraswat Malakar leading a powerhouse ensemble, the play achieves a gripping intensity. Sahana Akhtar Sanai’s performance as Desdemona is particularly moving, portraying vulnerability and strength in equal measure, while Kamalesh’s portrayal of Othello adds layers of depth to the unfolding crisis.

The play is further elevated by its impressive visual and auditory elements. The mesmerizing choreography by Shuvam Basfor, Shobha Basfor, Baby Roy Choudhury, and others adds an expressive dimension, while Manjusree Das’s music infuses the production with an emotional undercurrent that lingers beyond the performance.

Adding another layer of immersion are the voice artists, including Subrata Roy, Chiranjeeb Bhattacharjee, and Shubhrajyoti Chakraborty, whose contributions bring depth to the play’s narrative. Meanwhile, the skilled lighting by Gobinda Das, assisted by Chandan Barman, enhances the mood, casting shadows that metaphorically echo the darkness lurking within society.

Beyond its theatrical essence, ‘Aajo Iago’ also makes brilliant use of cinematic techniques. The camera work by Bikram Das (Rana) and Akash Dey captures the nuances of each moment, bringing the audience into the very heart of the conflict. The editing and sound recording, handled by Dr. Haron Kamei, ensure that every scene resonates with maximum impact.

Under the masterful direction of Rahul Das Gupta, the screenplay seamlessly blends Shakespearean tragedy with contemporary reality. The deliberate juxtaposition of staged drama with real-world tension serves as an unsettling reminder that the battle against hatred is far from over.

At its core, ‘Aajo Iago’ is more than just a play—it is a mirror held up to society, compelling audiences to reflect on their own biases and fears. By using Othello as a framework, the play underscores how distrust, when unchecked, can destroy relationships and communities alike.

As long as the Iagos of the world continue to whisper in our ears, sowing the seeds of division, productions like ‘Aajo Iago’ serve as crucial wake-up calls. Just as we have learned to test for physical viruses, it is time we examine our hearts and minds for the virus of hatred before it consumes us all.

With its powerful performances, striking thematic depth, and outstanding production quality, ‘Aajo Iago’ stands as an essential theatrical experience. For those who appreciate stories that challenge perspectives and ignite discussions, this play is a must-watch. In an era where social cohesion is under threat, ‘Aajo Iago’ reminds us that the battle against hate begins within ourselves.

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: Cast :

Amlan Nag

Sangeeta Goswami

Dr. Joyashri Dey

Saraswat Malakar

Papiya Sikidar

Sajal Das

Shibangi Chakraborty

Dibangi Chakraborty

Nimmi Chakraborty

Pallab Bhattacharjee

Prashanta Bhattacharjee

Shibam Malakar

Ajit Sutradhar

Suraj Malla

Raj Acharjee

Asis Taru Paul

Rahul Das Gupta

 

: Dance :

Shuvam Basfor

Shobha Basfor

Baby Roy Choudhury

Jui Bhowmik

Esa Das

Swaroopa Goswami

Sarmistha Das

Sukanya Das Gupta and others

 

: Song and Music :

Manjusree Das

: Voice Artist :

Subrata Roy

Chiranjeeb Bhattacharjee

Shubhrajyoti Chakraborty and others

 

: Light :

Gobinda Das

 

: Light Assistant :

Chandan Barman

: Camera :

Bikram Das (Rana)

Akash Dey

 

: Editing and Sound Recording :

Dr. Haron kamei

: Screenplay and Direction :

Rahul Das Gupta