The Forest Princess and the Tiger of Darkness — Kamruzzaman Shadhin in collaboration with Shibabrata Barman, Zavkiddin Yodgorov and the Puppet Theatre of Bukhara

Kamruzzaman Shadhin brings together the ancient art of Uzbek puppetry, through a unique collaboration with Bukharan puppet master Zavhiddin Yedgorov, with the riverine myths of Bengal, to create a theatre of silence, rhythm, and transcendence. Animated by puppets fashioned from lush Bukharan textiles, the work reflects on how stories travel across lands and centuries, carrying the memory of those who once believed in wonder.

At its heart is the tale of Noorani, the Forest Princess, who journeys to restore balance after the Tiger of Darkness casts a shadow over her world. Guided by Golamsha the crocodile, she descends beneath the river to face the darkness — discovering that light and shadow are reflections, not enemies. Their final dance becomes one of destruction and creation, of harmony regained.

Reimagining ancient myths for an age of ecological uncertainty, the performance reminds us that the forest is not scenery but a living consciousness — one that listens, breathes, and remembers. Inspired by Bengali folk tales of Gazi Kalu Pir and Bonbibi, it celebrates not dominance, but coexistence between humans, animals, and spirit.

Capacity: 60
Languages: uzbek, printed programme in english
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