A star-studded affair

A number of renowned thespians of Nagarik Natya Sampraday assembled at the Mahila Samity Ananda Angan, Baily Road in Dhaka on April 13 to celebrate the golden jubilee of the pre-eminent theatre troupe. Several artistes rendered Tagore compositions like “Antor Momo Bikoshito Koro” and “Rangiye Diye Jao Jao” in unison while dancers presented live performances. Theatre artistes greeted the celebrated thespians, artistes and cultural personalities -- Ataur Rahman, Abul Hayat, Hasan Imam, Ramendu Majumdar, Hashem Khan, Asaduzzamn Noor, Aly Zaker, Sara Zaker, Sultana Kamal, Laila Hasan, Jhuna Chowdhury, Keramat Maula and others – on the occasion with Uttario. The jewels of theatre lighted candles to symbolically diffuse the rays of cultural conscience.

Going down memory lane, several of the honoured theatre artistes expressed their fond memories of Nagarik Natya Sampraday with which they journeyed for the last 50 years.

It was amazing to know the 45-year experience of veteran thespian Ataur Rahman with the troupe while Asaduzzaman Noor shared his maiden experience of taking the stage as a proxy actor as the main cast Abul Hayat was bed-ridden in the hospital.       

It is a milestone achievement of Nagarik Natya Sampraday as they contributed much to the country's theatre scene with bringing many reputed and classics productions on stage. The organisers instituted Syed Shamsul Haque, Khaled Khan and Zia Haider memorial awards to recognise best three theatre activists. From the next year, the troupe will hand over awards to the deserving artistes annually.

The opening day (April 13) of the three day (April 13-15) celebration programme concluded with staging a Natyamala, compiled and directed by Aly Zaker. Theatre artistes with their vivacious presence took the stage of Mahila Samity to perform parts of their acclaimed productions -- “Baki Itihash”, “Nurul Diner sarajibon”, “Raktokarobi”, “Shot Manusher KhoNje”, “Mukhosh”, “Dewan Gazir Kissa” and “Galileo”.

The troupe celebrated Baishakh with the rendition of solo songs by promising singer Jayita and recitations by renowned elocutionists --Ataur Rahman, Asaduzzaman Noor, Abul Hayat, Nima Rahman, Nazneen Naz, Nayla Tarannum Kakoli and Mahfuz Rizvi on April 14.

Nagarik Natya Sampradaye wrapped up their golden jubilee programmes with premiering a romantic play “Open Couple” by Dario Fo and Franca Rame yesterday. Translated and directed by Sara Zaker, Ziaul Hasan Kislu and Sara Zaker played respective roles in the play.

A three-day exhibition titled “Nobo Natyer Abhijatra” also concluded yesterday at the Mahila Samity Bhaban.