Theatre’s greatest moments in 2020

As a live art form, theatre was particularly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Walking through the empty spaces felt like walking through a time capsule—before mandatory face masks and instructions to stay six feet apart, these spaces were filled with lights, sounds, captivating scenes and applause of spectators. Despite the difficulties and uncertainties, theatre practitioners remained resilient and determined in their intentions.

Kohe Facebook

Widespread cancellations of events and performances led to challenges for artistes and patrons alike. Through online talk sessions and personal posts on social media, several noted artistes expressed their concerns about these performing spaces. Online rehearsals and performances kept the wheels running in the absence of in-person shows and interactions.

After months of inactivity, on August 26, Shunyan Repertory Theater returned with their popular play "Laljamin" at Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity. Actor Momena Chowdhury's solo act gained a new accolade as the forerunner of live theatre's return to form.

Aynaghor

Along with the storyline, skillful acting and production design, companions of the 'new normal' — infrared thermometers,  disinfectant sprays, shoe covers and face masks — were included by the theatre groups to gain the confidence of the audience. Cutting the occupancy limit to 20 seats, Prachyanat stepped up with a month-long  theatre festival, titled "Mahala Magan" in September. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) reopened seven months after its closure, with a number of plays. Among them, Palakar's "Ujane Mrityu", Jagarani Theater's "Rajar Chithi" and Theater Factory's "Asadhasya Pratham Diboshe" were outstanding.

Amid the new productions is Anuswar's "Mulya Amulya", based on Arthur Miller's "The Price", translated by Ashit Mukherjee and adapted and directed by Mohammad Bari. Mohammad Shaznewaz from Mahakal Natya Samraday also presented an awareness story, "Jayi Hobo Ekdin", performed by Kathak group. The performance was recorded for YouTube. "Pake Bipake", directed by Sanjeev Kumar Dey was staged by Padatik Natya Sangsad. Written by Anon Zaman and directed by Shahiduzzaman Selim, Dhaka Theatre's production, "Ekti Loukik Athoba Aloukik Steamer," was staged at BSA. 

Mulya

Pranganemore and Shabdo Natyacharcha Kendra jointly staged "Major", written and directed by Ananta Hira, along with his other play "Mriter Atmahattya" and "Potaka Pagol".

Written and directed by Mahbub Alam, Anurag brought "Objection Over Ruled" to the stage. Tauquir Ahmed wrote a new production, "Ondhokar" for his group, Natyokendra. Theatre troupe Ethic staged "Aynaghor",  directed by Rezanur Rahman.

Besides, BotTola worked on their new production "Shohote Mask", directed by Pankaj Mazumder. Plays that brought something new to the stage were "Geetichandraboti"written by Nayanchad Ghosh and directed by Yousuf Hasan, and "Prottyabrita", performed by Noibeddyo Theatre, an adaptation of Anton Chekhov's story, written by Bibi Kaniz and directed by Rajib Reza. 

Aranyak Natyadal staged "Kohe Facebook" and "Noi" this year. Desh Natok brought "Paro" directed by Masum Reza, "Chinu Gayener", "Pesha O Prem" directed by Fahim Malek Evan, and "Shoktirup" directed by Mamun Chowdhury to the floor. Space and Acting Research Center staged "Dui Agontuk Bonam Korobi Ful", directed by Ashish Khandaker.

This year marked Dhaka Theatre's 40th birth anniversary. With a medley of performances of some of their most acclaimed stage dramas,  some of the biggest names in the TV and film industries who started from Dhaka Theatre—Afzal Hossain, Raisul Islam Asad, Zahiruddin Peyar, Shomi Kaiser, Fakhrul Basher Masum, and Shubhashish Bhowmik— returned to the stage with new members of Dhaka Theatre.

Finally, designed and directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed "4.48 Montrash" is a Spardha production that is being staged at Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium, Bangladesh Mahila Samity. Based on British playwright Sarah Kane's "4.48 Psychosis",  the play has been translated by Shahman Moishan and Sharif Shiraj.

Abiding by health and safety rules, stage plays all over the country offered a necessary relief at a time of difficulties, and continued to display the facts of life and society, with the hope of a brighter future.