Noted author-playwright Syed Shamsul Haq and celebrated theatre director Ataur Rahman have joined hands once more. The duo, which has presented some hugely successful productions on Dhaka stage, will be working on a new play titled "Narigon". Based on the historic events involving the last independent Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, the play will be produced by theatre troupe Palakar.

Haq wrote the play in 2005. The play is in lyrical form, which would be a challenge, considered Rahman.

The author-playwright has written two of the most acclaimed plays — “Payer Awaaj Pawa Jaye” and "Nuruldiner Shara Jibon”. His recent works “Opekkhoman” and "Banglar Mati Banglar Joi” have also received appreciation.

So far, Rahman has directed five plays written by Haq, including "Payer Awaaj Pawa Jaye”, “Irsha”, "Opekkhoman" and "Banglar Mati Banglar Joi”.

"Though I have previously directed Haq's plays, 'Narigon' would be a challenge for me as the play is in lyrical form, and is based on a historic event,” said Rahman.

Though "Narigon” is based on events from Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah's life, the title [meaning 'women'] suggests it focuses on female characters. The play narrates how the women of the royal family survived or what happened to them immediately after the Nawab's fall.

The central characters are: Nawab Alivardi Khan's wife (Siraj-ud-Daulah's grandmother); Amina Begum and Begum Lutfunnissa (Siraj-ud-Daulah's mother and wife respectively) and Ghaseti Begum (the Nawab’s aunt who conspired against him).

Besides the Battle of Plassey, the play focuses on the conjunction of women’s involvement in politics and

their social position.

"Women have always been the biggest victims of war,” said Rahman.

The production is in its primary stages at present. Chief of Palakar, Aminur Rahman Mukul, informed that they would start rehearsing in a couple of days. Mukul expects to bring the play to stage in late September this year. The cast is yet to be confirmed, although, some of the technicians have been finalised. Thandu Raihan will design the light, while Aniket Paul will do the set designing.

"Narigon” will be the second play by Palakar that features both Syed Shamsul Haq and Ataur Rahman. The troupe has previously produced the duo's work "Banglar Mati Banglar Joi" — a biographical play on Rabindranath Tagore — last year.