The Stage Ensemble Theater Unit (SETU) Boston is presenting its eight shows of a socially relevant drama, based on the Bengali novel Devdas by Shri. Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, portraying the patriarchal Indian society of the early twentieth century and a romantic tragedy of the imperfect central characters of the story in this Spring season. This English tragic love drama was staged at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown, MA, on April 26^th, 27^th (2 shows), 28^th and the same will be played at this theater on May 17^th, 18^th (2 shows), and 19^th. April month’s 4 shows were presented Successfully in front of a full house excited audience.

SETU is a non-profit theater group in the Greater Boston area since 2003. SETU means “bridge” in Indian languages and its mission is to build bridges between Indian and Western cultures through the medium of theater. SETU selectively presents its plays in English and attempts to highlight India’s past and present socio-economic, political life in a global context. Since ancient times, Indian Sanskrit and other languages playwrights have contributed to the development of rich and diverse traditions in the field of drama. Indian theatrical styles-tragedy, comedy, melodrama and drama use expressions in diverse forms from folk theater to musicals to modern drama forms. SETU attempts to present some of these in the contemporary context and, in the process, creates a deep appreciation of India’s heritage and culture. SETU is celebrating its 16the anniversary this year and Smt. Jayanti Bandyopadhyay and Subrata Das are behind its admirable growth as the founding members.

Devdas is one of the most popular works of Indian literature, staying relevant for many generations as it narrates the love in separation (viraha), relating Paru/Parvati’s longing for the absent Devadas and entry of Chandramukhi and her love for Devadas. Devadas is not just a simple story of a love affair, but a lifelong struggle that fails to bring happiness to the central characters involved in the triangle love. Audiences relate to these characters because they represent our sense of love and life, pain and pleasure, the cause and effect of male-female relationship, our strong bond to the society into which we are born, and the lifelong dilemmas that we face within social boundaries. This play appeals to all especially Indians because the man who self-destructs himself for a girl is so Indian. Devdas dramatizes the tragic inability of tradition and modernity to achieve balance. Their messages touch our souls and awakens our empathy for them.

Shri. Subrata Das Ji did wonderful job as a playwright and director along with his dedicated crew who worked untiringly to put this play together. Some timeless music and beautiful dances not only blended right into the story but also added a spirit to the story. Different artists performed the same central characters on different days and exhibited their talents for much appreciation. Shri. Sridhar Pola and Shri. Bhavesh Sharma portrayed very well the conflict, drama, love, anguish and purgative of Devadas. Smt. Shamita Behl and Smt. Sumalita Bhuyan presented themselves as Paru with true emotions and precise dialogues. In Chandramukhi’s role Saimanti Das and Sugandha Gopal exuded simplicity and grace in typical Bengali sarees and gave an added glamor in their ornate lehengas and dupattas along with exquisite jewelry befitting a courtesan in Bengal during the pre-independence era. Young boys, namely, Raj Pola, Vasu Jetly, and Ishaan Naik as young Devadas and young girls, namely, Shefali Bakre, Isabel Rana, Arshia Sharma as young Parvati did their justification by adding emotions and smiles to their characters. Smt. Parul Kumar and Smt. Kumkum Pareek Malik as Thakuma (grandmother) complemented grace to the character by their natural acting skills.

Shri. Subrata Das Ji proposed his heart felt thanks to his crew members for their dedicated time and services and the Masters of Ceremony for meticulously managing the stage. He thanked profusely India new England News, Academy of Creative Arts, India Association of Greater Boston, Central Square Theater, Mosesian Arts, Belmont Plymouth Church.  He also thanked all the donors for their great support and encouragement. Smt. Rekha Palriwala, Smt. Janique Choux-Das were also thanked immensely for their patrons welcome and arranging for Indian snacks to the audiences. Lastly, he thanked from the bottom of his heart all the enthusiastic and supportive audiences for their appreciation and out-poring love for his team’s effort and making every show a house- full and memorable one.

Please visit their website for more information about their upcoming plays and show dates at

                                    www.setu.us

                                    http://www.facebook.com/setuboston/

                                    contact@setu.us

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