“Makhon will be quite a challenge at this age”

Only the veterans of the country's theatre scene have seen Abul Hayat commanding the stage. The towering figure of Bangladeshi TV and film, however, had begun his career on theatre, and was last seen some 12 years ago on stage. Now, with the veteran Asaduzzaman Noor returning to the director's seat for Nagarik Natya Sampraday's celebrated production "Dewan Gazi'r Kissa" (also adapted by him) and another thespian legen Aly Zaker also coming back for this one production, Abul Hayat joins the spectacular cast (also including Sara Zaker).

Talking to The Daily Star, Hayat said he first essayed the role of Makhon in the production when he was 30-35. Now at this age it will be quite a challenge, said the actor who just turned 72 yesterday (Monday). He further said he had wanted to tread the stage for a while now, and it was too good an offer to not jump on board, with long-term co-artistes Aly Zaker and Asaduzzaman Noor also coming back.

"Dewan Gazi'r Kissa", adapted from a work of Bertolt Brecht, will be staged on September 11 at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, as part of the Ganga-Jamuna Theatre and Cultural Festival.