About Purba Paschim
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Purba Paschim has emerged as a major force in Bengal's cultural scene. The group is known for its dedication to quality theatre, original storytelling, and its ability to balance tradition with modernity.
Purba Paschim's
Detailed Profile
In 2024, Purba Paschim celebrates the completion of its 20th year—a significant milestone in the journey of any theatre group. While a decade may not seem a long passage of time, for Purba Paschim, it has been a path marked by dedication, artistic integrity, and a series of noteworthy contributions to the cultural landscape. We take immense pride in this illustrious journey.
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The group commenced its theatrical voyage in 2004 with a production of Rabindranath Tagore’s Bisarjan. The original script, thoughtfully edited by the eminent novelist and poet Sunil Gangopadhyay, was given new dimensions, enriching its dramatic appeal. The production was directed by Soumitra Mitra, whose vision set the tone for the group's artistic identity.
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Following this, Babli, written by Bratya Basu and produced in 2005, marked Purba Paschim’s second major venture. This production traveled beyond national borders, reaching audiences in the United States, France, and England, and further establishing the group’s international presence.
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Over the years, Purba Paschim has been privileged to receive the encouragement and support of several stalwarts of Indian theatre and cinema. Distinguished personalities such as Amol Palekar, Mohan Agashe, Sharmila Tagore, Nandita Das, and Shabana Azmi have graced our journey with their generous presence, enriching our theatrical experience.
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To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Purba Paschim proudly presents the premiere of Akkel Gurum, a comedy penned by Ujjwal Chattopadhyay and directed by Soumitra Mitra. The production is set to be staged on June 29, 2014, at Madhusudan Mancha.
As we look back with pride at the past decade, we also look ahead with renewed commitment to the art of theatre—striving always to create, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impression on the cultural conscience.
Director's Note
- Soumitra Mitra
(Founder/ Director,
Purba Paschim)
Founded in 2005, Purba Paschim has consistently aimed to bring a professional outlook to contemporary Bengali theatre. While the group does not operate under a single permanent theatre director, its core mission is to produce diverse and high-quality productions under the guidance of acclaimed theatre personalities. In pursuit of this vision, we have collaborated with five prominent figures from the world of theatre and numerous creative talents of national repute across various fields of art and culture.
In addition to our productions, Purba Paschim is actively involved in a wide range of activities including annual publications, interactive sessions, seminars, play readings, and workshops—each serving as a vital component of our commitment to theatre and cultural dialogue.
To sustain and expand these initiatives, financial support is essential.
While we gratefully acknowledge the assistance received from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and various corporate sponsors, the resources needed to create a richer and more inclusive theatre experience continue to exceed current funding levels. We recognize and appreciate our partners' contributions through multiple forms of publicity—ranging from hoardings and tickets to brochures and digital platforms including our official website.
The unwavering enthusiasm and participation of the younger generation continue to inspire us in our journey toward building a better theatre for a better tomorrow.
Who is who
Jiban Kumar Sen (President)
Soumitra Mitra (Guru)
Malabika Mitra (Secretary)
Arup Ratan Ganguly (Joint Secretary)
Tarun Paul (Office Secretary)
Saiful Islam (Treasurer)
Rajen Kundu (Exec. Committee Member)
Aditi Banerjee (Exec. Committee Member)
RamKrishna Chetri (Exec. Committee Member) |