Syed Haq's memories loom over Ganga-Jamuna Fest
The fifth edition of the Ganga-Jamuna Theatre and Cultural Festival saw its curtains rise on Friday evening, amid heartfelt tributes to prolific playwright and all-round literary genius Syed Shamsul Haq. The opening ceremony, at the main auditorium of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), also saw staging of Indian troupe Hojoborolo's play “Ipsha”.
The opening ceremony began with a vibrant display of dance by artistes of Spandan, portraying Bangladesh's cultural heritage. Member secretary of the festival committee, Akhtaruzzaman delivered the welcome address to set proceedings in motion. General Secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, in his address spoke of the importance of sustainable cultural development for the country's advancement. Professor Anwara Syed Haq, the widow of Syed Shamsul Haq – who the festival is dedicated to – then recalled how involved Syed Haq was with theatre. “Theatre was his life,” she remarked in an emotional address. The playwright's son Ditio Syed Haq also spoke fondly of his father, recalling childhood memories. Thespian and International Theatre Institute chairman Ramendu Mazumder, and director of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre Jayashree Kundu also recalled Syed Haq's verve and magnetic persona.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, who was the chief guest at the event, spoke highly of India and Bangaldesh's cultural exchange, and stressed on the need for Bangladeshi culture's portrayal to other parts of India beyond West Bengal. He also assured organisers and cultural activists of easing of administrative regulations for artistes and troupes from both countries visiting each other. He, too, paid a rich tribute to Syed Shamsul Haq, and recited the iconic poem from “Nuroldiner Sarajibon” in his emotional, powerful voice. After a closing speech by the festival committee's convener Golam Kuddus, guests lit candles on a prop bullock-cart to declare the festival open.
Written and directed by Chandan Sen, the opening play, “Ipsha” is an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's 1924 play “Desire Under the Elms”, and stars veteran Indian stage actor Debshankar Halder. A tale of intricate dynamics of a disjointed family and relationships, it has at its centre a powerful old man, his three sons from two previous wives, and another newlywed. The nearly two-hour play explored some serious emotions and themes, all the while keeping the play enthralling with catchy dialogue and animated actors.
Meanwhile at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Prangonemor staged “Irsha”, a complex play written by Syed Shamsul Haq. Directed by Ananta Hira, the lyrical, sometimes abstract play is known well for its lengthy dialogies, the longest of which clocks at 36 minutes. Audience at the Studio Theatre Hall enjoyed Kanthasheelan's play “Ja Nei Bharot-e”, adapted from the Mahabharata by Manoj Mitra and directed by Mir Barkat.
Yesterday's plays at the ten-day grand festival included Jessore-based troupe Biborton's “Raja Pratapaditya”, Somoy's “Shesh Sanglap” and Charunidam's “Dead Peacock”.
Every day for the ten-day festival, three plays will be staged at the three halls from 7pm, while the open stage at BSA will host cultural troupes performing dance, songs, recitation and street theatre. Today's plays at the festival are Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC) production “Macbeth”, Nagorik Natya Sampraday's “Dewan Gazi'r Kissa” and Natyajoddha's “Britte Boshobash”.
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