“The world is a stage, and all men and women are merely players”, as William Shakespeare famously stated in his play “As You Like It”. To commemorate this, Medica Superspecialty Hospital & Medica Oncology, a division of Manipal Hospitals Network, partnered with the Kolkata theater group Ashokenagar Natyaanan to present a unique drama performed by cancer champions at Kala Mandir. Renowned thespian Chandan Sen directed the drama, “Rongo Byango”, which was based on the five short plays by Rabindranath Tagore.

Arja Anarja, Nutan Abatar, Antoshti Sotkar, Orosiker Swargopraptian, and Swargiyo Prahasan are five of Tagore’s short plays that were adapted. Titled as “Ebhabeo Phire Asa Jaay,” the theme of this moving theater production united cancer survivors in a stirring performance that celebrated hope and the variety of life beyond cancer by fusing humor and melancholy.

Along with the cancer survivors, other casts of the play included actors like Phalguni Chatterjee, Shantilal Mukherjee, Masood Akhtar, and Rwitobroto Mukherjee, besides theatre actors from Ashokenagar Natyaanan.

Senior doctors from Medica Oncology, including Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant & Advisor, Radiation Oncology, and Dr. Sourav Datta, Director, Medica Oncology & Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Oncosurgery, along with other esteemed dignitaries, extended their support by being present during the inspiring event.

The effects of cancer are profound and wide-ranging. Nevertheless, the human spirit manages to brighten the road to recovery even in the most dire circumstances. Fighting cancer and conquering psychological and emotional obstacles are key components of the survival journey.

Chandan Sen, renowned thespian and director of Rongo Byango, said, “Throughout my career, directing Rongo Byango has been one of the most emotional and rewarding experiences. Currently, 15 to 16 of the play’s 66 characters are courageous cancer survivors—people who have persevered through the most trying times in life and come out stronger. I hope that by the end of this year, survivors will be playing all 66 of these roles. Regaining identity, self-assurance, and purpose is the goal of this stage, not merely performing. In addition to surviving, they have accepted the stage as a platform for their bravery, evolving into performers who uplift others with each performance”.

Each cancer survivor has a compelling story and is a warrior. They were given a stage on “Rongo Byango” to recover their voices and motivate others. The survivors’ performance demonstrated that cancer cannot stifle the creative and artistic spirit. The celebration of life and bravery was the main focus of this event, in addition to the performance.

Priyanka Dutta