BotTala Rongomela closes today with “Mud”
Iranian troupe bringing play to Mahila Samity stage
The 10-day BotTala Rongomela theatre festival comes to a close today, with a production by Iranian troupe Crazy Body Group. BotTala, the theatre troupe that has been holding the festival in the capital's Mahila Samity (in Baily Road), will also confer a Lifetime Achievement Award on eminent thespian Aly Zaker.
A special programme was held at the festival– "Shishuder Rongomela", specifically targeted at children. It included an art camp, a puppet show by Bangladesh Puppetry Research and Development Centre, and a performance of BotTala's "Modhu Shikari", based on the children's book "The Honey Hunter" by internationally-renowned writer Karthika Nayar.
Other programmes at yesterday's festival included a discussion on theatre against killing of people and the world, handing of honours to Robiul Alam from Chittagong-based group Tirjak, and performance of Theatre (Baily Road) play "Maya Nodi".
Iran's Crazy Body Group was formed in 2005, with some motivated and energetic people in local and international realms of performing arts looking to communicate with people of every culture, language and nationality. The group terms itself an intimate mixture of the arts: martial arts, drama, music, visual, photography and costume. Their style incorporates various elements contemporary mime and physical theatre, and is very strongly based on body and movement. Their production "Mud" is an intense, at times visceral drama that uses lights, mud and other props along with contemporary physical to a stunning visual effect.