Kolkata : Echoing William Shakespeare’s timeless words from As You Like It — “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” — Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, in association with Ashokenagar Natyaanan, presented another evocative edition of its acclaimed theatre initiative Rongo Byango at Uttam Mancha, Kolkata.
Titled ‘Ebhabeo Phire Asa Jaay’, the moving theatrical production placed cancer survivors at centre stage, transforming their deeply personal journeys of resilience and hope into a compelling artistic expression. Directed by renowned thespian Chandan Sen, the production reaffirmed the healing power of art and storytelling.
A Theatrical Tribute to Courage and Renewal
Rongo Byango is based on five celebrated short plays by Rabindranath Tagore — Arja Anarja, Nutan Abatar, Antoshti Sotkar, Orosiker Swargoprapti, and Swargiyo Prahasan. Seamlessly blending humour with poignancy, the performance explored the many shades of life beyond illness, celebrating courage, rebirth, and the indomitable human spirit.
The play featured cancer survivors performing alongside eminent theatre personalities including Phalguni Chatterjee, Shantilal Mukherjee, Masood Akhtar, and Rwitobroto Mukherjee, as well as actors from Ashokenagar Natyaanan. Senior doctors from Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and other distinguished dignitaries were present to extend their support and encouragement to this inspiring initiative.
Beyond Treatment: Healing Through Expression
Cancer leaves profound physical, emotional, and psychological scars. While medical intervention is critical, true recovery also involves restoring confidence, identity, and emotional strength. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases in India are projected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025, up from 14.6 lakh in 2022. Globally, the number of cancer cases is expected to reach 35 million by 2050.
Against this backdrop, initiatives like Rongo Byango play a crucial role in fostering emotional healing, resilience, and community support beyond clinical care.
Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass offered survivors a powerful platform to script their own narratives — turning struggle into strength and survival into celebration. As the curtains rose, the auditorium echoed with thunderous applause, marking not just the success of a performance, but the triumph of the human spirit.
Voices from the Initiative
Chandan Sen, renowned thespian and Director of Rongo Byango, said:
“Directing ‘Rongo Byango’ has been one of the most emotional and fulfilling journeys of my career. Out of the 66 characters in this play, 15 to 16 are portrayed by brave cancer survivors who have faced life’s harshest trials and emerged stronger. This stage is not merely about performance; it is about reclaiming identity, confidence, and purpose. Beyond survival, they have embraced the stage as a canvas of courage.”
Dr. Sourav Datta, Director – Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care (Mukundapur, Salt Lake & Siliguri Clusters), shared:
“Every cancer survivor is a warrior with an extraordinary story. Through ‘Rongo Byango’, we wanted to give them a platform to reclaim their voices and inspire others. Watching them perform — many of whom I have treated — was deeply moving. This event was not just a celebration of theatre, but a celebration of life, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit.”
