Dhaka Padatik's theatre festival underway

Dhaka Padatik, one of the foremost theatre troupes of the country, is celebrating their 38th founding anniversary with an eight-day theatre festival at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The festival was inaugurated last evening at the National Theatre Hall by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman. BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky attended the event as special guest, along with secretary general of Bangladesh Group Theatre  Federation, Akhtaruzzaman. Festival committee chairman Golam Kuddus chaired the session. Dhaka Padatik's new play "The Trial of Surjo Sen" opened the festival.

Other plays at the festival to be staged, in chronological order, are "Eksho Bosta Chal" by BSA Repertory troupe; "Dhruboputro" by Kalyani Natya Charcha Kendra, Kolkata (India); "Hefazat" and "Kotha", both by Dhaka Padatik; "Adi Raja" by Ritwik, Bahrampur, Kolkata (India); "Kinu Kaharer Thetar" by Prachyanat; "Paicho Chorer Kiccha" by Dhaka Padatik and finally "Konjus" by Loko Natyadal Siddheshwari. One play will be staged each day from 7pm, with all plays bar "Dhruboputro" (which will be staged at Experimental Theatre Hall) to be taking place at the national Theatre Hall.

The organisers will also hand out two memorial awards, commemorating late members of the troupe Abul Kashem Dulal and Gazi Zakir Hossain, during the festival. The awarding ceremony will take place on March 15 prior to the staging of the day's play.

Dhaka Padatik was founded on March 10, 1980 by eminent thespian SM Solaiman and Golam Kuddus. The troupe has made a mark in the country's theatre history with acclaimed plays like "Bishad Sindhu", "Khyapa Pagla'r Pyachal", "Talpata'r Shepai", "Kotha Ekattor", "Jolodas" and "Paicho Chorer Kiccha".