Probashir Kontho captivates Delhi theatre lovers with dark comedy ‘Bitongsho’

An evening of dark humour, suspense and theatrical brilliance unfolded in the capital as Bitongsho, a Bengali adaptation of the iconic American play Arsenic and Old Lace, was staged at the Bipin Chandra Pal Auditorium in Chittaranjan Park on Saturday, 7 March 2026. Presented by the Delhi-based cultural collective Probashir Kantho, the production captivated audiences with its fast-paced storytelling, eccentric characters and clever blend of comedy and mystery.

Originally written by American playwright Joseph Kesselring in 1939 and later popularised through its celebrated 1944 film adaptation, Arsenic and Old Lace remains one of the most beloved dark comedies in world theatre. The Bengali adaptation of the play, translated by the legendary theatre personality Ajitesh Bandopadhyay, brings the story closer to Bengali cultural sensibilities while retaining the wit and charm of the original narrative.

Directed by seasoned theatre practitioners Badal Ray and Shoma Mukherji and produced by Shantomoy Ray, the production brought together a spirited ensemble cast that breathed life into a story filled with eccentric characters and surprising twists.

At the heart of Bitongsho are two affectionate elderly aunts who appear to live a quiet and respectable life. Beneath their gentle exterior, however, lies an unusual belief – they see themselves as performing a charitable act by “helping” lonely men escape their misery. Sharing the house is their eccentric nephew, who believes himself to be a great historical hero and spends his time digging holes in the cellar as part of what he imagines to be a noble national mission.

Avisek Ghosh as Chittaranjan, Saibal Ghosh as Nandi, Rabin Dasgupta as Bishnu, Manoda and Badal Ray as Hare Ram Biswas

The situation spirals into chaos when another nephew suddenly returns home. A ruthless criminal who has recently undergone plastic surgery to alter his appearance, he arrives with his accomplice hoping to use the house as a safe hideout. What follows is a whirlwind of hidden bodies, mistaken identities and escalating confusion that keeps the audience laughing while gripping them with suspense.

A striking highlight of the production was the stage design, conceptualised by Shoma Mukherji and Shantomoy Ray and executed by Sudip Biswas, which recreated the feel of a real-life drawing and dining room of an old house. The set, complete with period furniture curated by Badal Ray and a staircase leading to the first floor, lent remarkable authenticity to the staging, making audiences feel as though they were peering directly into the eccentric household where the entire story unfolds.

The atmosphere of the play was further enhanced by the specially designed lighting by veteran light designer Arunava Sengupta, whose evocative use of light and shadow subtly shifted the mood between suspense and dark humour. Complementing the visual tone was the original soundscape specially composed by Sanjay Das, whose carefully crafted cues heightened dramatic tension and enriched the rhythm of the unfolding action.

From Left to Right - Nandi, Arindam Ghosh as Shubhoranjan, Pinaki Banerjee as Dr. Meghnad Saha, Tarun Barua as Dr. Dasgupta with the aunts

The cast delivered lively and engaging performances throughout the evening. Shoma Mukherji portrayed Manoda Sundori (Choto Pishi) with warmth and playful eccentricity, while Raka Bhattacharya as Annoda Sundori (Boro Pishi) created a character that was both charming and unsettling.

Shantomoy Ray appeared as Biswaranjan Ray (Boro Bhai), bringing intensity and controlled menace to the role. Avisek Ghosh played Chittaranjan Ray (Choto Bhai), adding energy and movement to the narrative, while Arindam Ghosh portrayed Mejo Bhai Shubhoranjan Ray with sincerity.

Tarun Barua delivered one of the evening’s most memorable performances as Dr. Sharada Prasanna Dasgupta, combining sharp comic timing with theatrical flair. The ensemble was further strengthened by Badal Ray as Hare Ram Biswas, the inquisitive neighbour, while Suchismita Chowdhury played Khuku beautifully, bringing the character of a lively young girl to life with infectious energy. Pinaki Banerjee appeared as Dr. Meghnad Saha and Saranendu Chaki as the unfortunate gentleman Subodh whose presence triggers several of the play’s darkly comic moments. Rabin Dasgupta and Saibal Ghosh as the two Police Officers Bishnu and Nandi respectively added light-hearted moments that enhanced the comic tempo of the play.

Suchismita Chowdhury as Khuku with Biswaranjan

Speaking about the vision behind the production, co-director Shoma Mukherji said, “From the very beginning our intention was to stage a play that celebrates the joy of theatre. Bitongsho creates a world where innocence, absurdity and darkness coexist. Our effort was to preserve that spirit while presenting it in a lively and engaging way for contemporary audiences.”

Director Badal Ray highlighted the collaborative effort behind the production. “Putting together Bitongsho demanded immense dedication from the entire team. From rehearsals to stage execution, every detail required precision and teamwork. The commitment of the cast and crew helped bring this fast-paced dark comedy alive on stage.”

Producer and actor Shantomoy Ray, also Founder of Delhi’s award-winning creative hotshop K-Factor Communications, reflected on both the challenge and the significance of the production. “Bitongsho was Probashir Kantho’s debut theatre production, so the sense of responsibility was immense. The play moves at a relentless pace with multiple doors, rapid entries and exits and tightly choreographed scenes. Playing Biswaranjan Ray meant portraying a personality that is charming on the surface yet dangerous beneath it. What made the evening truly special was the audience – they were wonderfully perceptive and generous, and we are deeply grateful for the warmth they showed us.”

Highlighting the organisation’s future plans, Malayendu Mukherji, Founder of Probashir Kantho, said, “The response from the audience has been extremely encouraging. Our aim is to continue bringing meaningful theatres to the Delhi-NCR region, and we certainly look forward to presenting more shows of Bitongsho so that a larger audience can experience this production.”

Echoing the organisation’s broader cultural mission, Suchandra Ray, Founder of Probashir Kantho, added, “Probashir Kantho was created with the vision of reaching out to the Delhi-NCR audience through engaging cultural experiences. Theatre remains central to that journey, alongside other artistic and cultural initiatives that bring communities together.”

Probashir Kantho meaning “Voice of the Diaspora” was founded by Shoma Mukherji, Suchandra Ray, Malayendu Mukherji and Shantomoy Ray in 2025 with the aim of promoting diverse cultural initiatives within the diaspora community.

The evening concluded to enthusiastic applause from a packed auditorium, with audiences thoroughly enjoying the lively blend of mystery, satire and humour that unfolded on stage. With its energetic performances and sharp comic timing, Bitongsho presented by Probashir Kantho proved to be a memorable theatrical experience that left the Delhi audience entertained long after the curtain fell.