Bitongsho set to captivate Delhi audiences 

Delhi-based art and culture collective Probashir Kantho presents Bitongsho, a full-length Bengali adaptation of the iconic American play Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. 

Translated by the legendary Ajitesh Bandopadhyay. Directed by seasoned theatre practitioners Badal Ray and Shoma Mukherji and produced by Shantomoy Ray, the production is a dark comedy that skilfully blends humour and suspense, offering audiences an engaging and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

A celebrated work in world theatre, Arsenic and Old Lace is renowned for its sharp wit and intriguing narrative centred on an eccentric family guarding a startling secret. Bitongsho reinterprets this timeless story through a Bengali cultural lens, creating strong contemporary resonance while preserving the spirit and charm of the original.

Director Badal Ray says, “Presenting Bitongsho in the Bengali translation by Ajitesh Bandopadhyay adds a deeper layer of significance, as it honours his remarkable contribution to Indian theatre. The production distinguishes itself through crisp storytelling, compelling performances and a nuanced exploration of morality, social conventions and human complexity.”

Co-director Shoma Mukherji adds, “We wanted to stage a work that is both entertaining and intellectually engaging. The play uses humour to question societal norms, encouraging audiences to reflect even as they laugh.”

Founded by Malayendu Mukherji, Shoma Mukherji and Shantomoy Ray, Probashir Kantho envisions theatre as a platform for meaningful storytelling and artistic dialogue. Producer Shantomoy Ray shares, “Our aim is to create theatre that extends beyond performance. We strive to present stories that challenge audiences and linger in their minds long after the curtains fall. With Bitongsho, we bring forward a powerful narrative while celebrating the enduring theatrical voice of Ajitesh Bandopadhyay.”

Bitongsho will premiere in South Delhi at Bipin Chandra Pal Auditorium on Saturday, 7 March 2026 at 6:30 PM. Following its Delhi debut, the production will travel to Gurgaon and Noida. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Malayendu Mukherji, Founder of Probashir Kantho, remarks, “This production reaffirms our commitment to keeping theatre vibrant and relevant in the Delhi NCR region while honouring Ajitesh Bandopadhyay’s lasting legacy.”

For theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts, Bitongsho promises an unforgettable evening that is as entertaining as it is insightful.

Synopsis

Inspired by Arsenic and Old Lace, the play ‘Bitongsho’ is the story of a strange yet darkly humorous family. Two gentle and affectionate aunts, who appear perfectly respectable from the outside, are secretly engaged in what they believe is an act of charity—‘relieving’ lonely old men of their misery. In their minds, they are actually doing a service to society.

Living in the same house is their nephew, who is convinced that he is a great historical hero and spends his time digging holes in the cellar, believing he is carrying out an important national mission.

The situation becomes more complicated and dangerous when another nephew in the family, a ruthless, cold-blooded murderer, suddenly returns with his accomplice. His face has been altered through plastic surgery. He plans to use the same house to hide his crimes and to remain in hiding himself.

What follows is a whirlwind of confusion, fear, hidden bodies and one unexpected twist after another. With its dark humour and fast-paced action, ‘Bitongsho’ not only entertains but also offers a sharp satire on the strange impulses that can lurk behind a facade of respectability.