Sohag Sen directs Atonko, a play depicting migrant workers' plight, at theatrical event in Kolkata

Staged at the prestigious Tapan Theatre, the production portrayed the struggles faced by 'migrant workers' in India.

Atanko delves deep into the lives of migrant workers who traverse thousands of miles away from their homeland in search of a livelihood.

They break mountains and create tunnels, but while cutting stones to earn their bread, they are trapped in a tunnel, which makes them and their families residents of "The kingdom of darkness".

The play paints a vivid picture of the challenges encountered by migrant workers and the 'grave' terror that reflects in the eyes of their family members.

Photo courtesy: PR Team

Directed by Sohag Sen, the play sheds light on the harsh realities faced by these individuals, who toil away from their homes in search of a livelihood, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation and despair.

Speaking about the production, she shares her insights, stating, "Atanko is a reflection of the resilience and determination displayed by migrant workers in the face of adversity.

"With the initiative of TOT School of Drama, we conducted a theatrical workshop for 6 months to train individuals and then provided them with a situation based on the recent events of Uttarkashi, where several workers were trapped in a tunnel. Usually when I'm performing, I do a workshop and then prepare my script."

She adds, "Similarly, we gave them a situation along with a set of characters, asked them to write their own dialogues and enact them. We just helped them bring this play into a form. It's a team effort and I’m thankful to TOT School Drama for thinking so passionately about the theatre community during these times"