Street Plays: The voice of the masses
Ershad Kamol
Social, political, environmental and cultural issues are the focal point of many patha natok (street plays). This art form is well known for its explicit messages against oppression and injustice. During the dry season patha natok is staged annually at several venues of Dhaka. However, on national days such as International Mother Language Day, Independence Day or Victory Day, cultural activists arrange street plays at Central Shaheed Minar premises. Last month, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) arranged a patha natok festival to celebrate International Mother Language Day. And from March 1 to March 7, Bangladesh Patha Natok Parishad (BPNP) arranged another festival titled Bangladesh Patha Natok Utshob 2005. The slogan of the festival is "Street drama against fundamentalism and imperialism" given by Mannan Hira, the President of BPNP. Hira said, "Formed in 1992, BPNP has been regularly arranging street drama festivals from March 1 to celebrate our Independence Day. Likewise, BGTF arranges another festival in February to commemorate Language Day." 48 groups, most of which are from outside Dhaka, staged street plays at Bangladesh Patah Natok Utshob 2005. Moreover, renowned theatre groups of the city like Theatre, Aranyak, Dhaka Padatik, Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble, Theatre Art Unit and Prachyanat also took part in the festival, which started from March 1. Kamal Lohani, Ramendu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid, Golam Kuddus, Mizanur Rahman and Mannan Hira were present in the opening programme. Each day eight street plays have been staged on an average at Shaheed Minar and the packed audience watched the message- based street plays on open-air stages. "Sweeping comments on the politicians and our contemporary crises are what attracts the audience. I miss this element in other art forms," said Ratri, a Dhaka University student who attended the festival.
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A humorous moment from Bhranti |
