Theatre gaining popularity in rural Natore

Once upon a time, Natore district was famous for different theatre troupes and cultural organisations, preserving its rich culture and heritage. The northern district has sort of lost its name and fame as the cultural organisations have not been active for a long lime. But now, theatre festivals are becoming popular in rural area of Natore.

Organizations like Chalan Natua are now arranging theatre festivals at the remote area of the district, which are giving hope to eminent cultural personalities of the district as well. 

Chalan Natua recently organised a two-day stage play festival at Dhupoil Bazar -- a remote area of Bagatipara upazila of Natore.

Five theatre troupes of Natore and Tangail districts participated in the festival. Lawmaker of Natore-1 constituency, Abul Kalam Azad inaugurated the festival as chief guest last Thursday.

Two plays named "Bankabbo" and "Bijoy Basanta" were staged on the first day of the festival and three plays, namely "Khekshiyal", "Dabi" and "Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula" were staged on the last day.

Chalan Natua's play, "Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula", was enacted by day laborers who rehearsed and produced the play, informed Subodh Kumer Moitra, eminent cultural personality of Natore. 

Kazi Sayeed Hossain Dulal, president of Puthia Gram Theatre said, "We have a lot to learn from Chalan Natua, of how they are performing very well with the illiterate people, who could not talk properly a few days ago."

Faruq Hossen, founder president of Chalan Natua said, "We are giving priority to traditional culture of the Chalan Beel area -- like Jatra Pala, Pala Gaan, Madar Gaan etc".