Actomania to bring Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ to the stage

Paulo Coelho’s internationally acclaimed novel “The Alchemist” is set to take a new form on stage, as theatre troupe Actomania prepares to present its fourth production, “The Alchemist: Subarnasrastha”.

Adapted for the stage by Mahfuz Islam Megh and directed by Talha Zubaer, the production follows a young man’s journey from Andalusia to the Egyptian pyramids in search of a treasure that gradually becomes a journey of self-discovery, purpose and destiny.

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Rather than treating the novel simply as an adventure story, the production seeks to explore its enduring ideas about following one’s aspirations, recognising one’s purpose and confronting the uncertainties that accompany such a journey.

For director Talha Zubaer, the story has particular resonance in a time when professional ambition can overwhelm more personal questions about what one actually wants from life.

“The Alchemist reminds us that every person has a purpose in life, something we are born to achieve. At a time like this, this production seeks to help us rediscover the inner urge and dreams we may have lost, while reigniting the desire to dream and undertake an inward journey,” Zubaer said.

The production is scheduled to premiere soon at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The cast and crew are currently in rehearsal.

The cast includes Shashank Saha, Kamruzzaman Topu, Sayem Sizan, Saira Akter, Salauddin Evan, Fatema Elma, Kamrul Tihan, Mahbuba Mou, Sanvi Mir, Marzuk Hasan, Joybrata Biswas, Mahfuz Islam Megh, Bappi Chowdhury, Sakib Shubho, Aishi, Saad, Rihad, Ratul, Suluiha, Rudra, Jony and Barish.

Actomania has previously staged productions including “Hamlet Machine” and “The Man Outside”. Talha Zubaer directed “The Man Outside”, while the troupe’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s “When We Dead Awaken” was directed by Nowrin Sazzad Bristy.