The concept of subject in writing of Shombhu Mitra

In philosophy, the concept of the "subject" generally refers to the individual or the conscious self that is capable of thought, perception, and experience. The subject is often contrasted with the "object," which refers to anything that is experienced, perceived, or acted upon. The subject in philosophy can be understood as the conscious agent or individual who experiences, perceives, thinks, and acts, and whose existence is central to discussions of selfhood, agency, and knowledge. To elaborate the concept of subject in the aspect of philosophy, I have chosen Shombhu Mitra, a legendary figure in Indian cinema and theatre, director, playwright, storyteller, and a highly renowned personality in Indian theatre. He is especially known for his involvement in Bengali theatre, where he is considered a pioneer. He dedicated his entire life to the evolution of Bengali theatre. We have chosen his works Putul Khela, Raktakarabi, Dahsachakra and Charadhyay for this presentation. Among them, Raktakarabi and Charadhyay are influenced by the original work of Rabindranath Tagore, while Putul Khela and Dashachakra are influenced by the original work of Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen. Shombhu Mitra’s protagonists embody the subject through their struggle for autonomy, resisting societal constraints and embracing personal freedom In all the plays, the subjects struggle against social obstacles to establish themselves as ideal subjects. In this article, the definition of subject in the philosophical aspect will be discussed. As already mentioned, Shombhu Mitra was significantly influenced by the works of Henrik Ibsen, a famous Norwegian writer, as well as by the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, so the concept of the subject explained by Ibsen and Rabindranath Tagore has been also defined in this article. Henrik Ibsen defined the "subject" as the core theme or idea driving a drama, often rooted in social, moral, or psychological issues. His works focused on individual struggles against societal norms, exploring personal freedom, identity, and ethical dilemmas, reflecting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. While according to Rabindranath Tagore, the "subject" is viewed as a harmonious interplay between human emotions, nature, and spirituality. He believed it should transcend personal concerns, embracing universal truths, beauty, and moral values. His works often explored the eternal connection between individuals and the divine, emphasizing love, freedom, and the unity of existence. Thus, we can find various definitions of the "subject" in Shombhu Mitra's works. This perspective is held by a subject, a free being. In all his works, there is a subject who is the main protagonist, a free being who speaks of their choice, as every individual is different from another. Not only in terms of choice, but an individual also takes responsibility for their actions.