Theatre in 2021 at a glance
The decreasing rate of Covid-19 infections brought a new ray of hope for the theatre arena in Bangladesh. Artistes started being active on stage from the beginning of the year. New plays and festivals added splendour to the stage throughout the year.
New plays
Uncertainty loomed large over audience's arrival before the stage after such a long break. Although those concerns still exist, playwrights were all set with new plays to draw viewers back. BotTola, in collaboration with Jatrik, staged the drama, "Marx in Soho". Written by American historian Howard Zinn, the play was translated by Javed Hussain. It was directed by Naila Azad, and starred Humayun Azam and Umma Habiba. In the play, Marx interprets and explains the modern world in his own way, and speaks of the hardships and dreams of his life. The play earned appreciation in terms of both subject matter and acting.
Mad Theatre staged their third production, "Anne Frank" earlier this year. Asadul Islam and Kazi Anisul Haque Borun are the playwrights of the story, based on the "Diary of Anne Frank". 17-year-old Arjjay Meghdoot played the titular role in "Anne Frank". She appeared in this solo play as the youngest actress in a mainstream theatre project in Bangladesh.
Based on Syed Shamsul Haque's novel, "Swapnabhuk", Upstage premiered their play which was directed by Saif Suman, starring Mohammad Bari and SR Sompod. Another notable play of this year is, "Janaker Anantyatra". The play, written and directed by Masum Raza, was staged and produced by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Members of several leading theatre groups of the country acted in it.
Additionally, Natyam Repertory staged "Kothay Jole Moral Cole", based on Mohon Rakesh's "Lahroka Rajhongs". It was adapted by Anshuman Bhowmik and directed by Irin Pervin. Some new plays were staged in schools, and workshops of different theatre troupes.
Theatre in your living room
Syed Jamil Ahmed is bringing troupe to people's living rooms. Spardha: Independent Theatre Collective premiered their third production, titled "Bismaykar Sabkichhu". The play, an adaptation of Duncan Macmillan's "Every Brilliant Thing", has been translated into Bangla, and directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed.
The troupe goes from house to house in different parts of the capital, at the doorsteps of spectators. The play, starring Mohsina Akhter, has been staged in Gulshan, Baridhara, and Uttara.
100th show of 'Mukti'
The play, "Mukti", premiered 16 years ago. It stars Ferdousi Mazumder, Tanvin Sweety, Tanjum Ara Palli, and Tamanna Islam. The play completed its 100th show on stage this year. "Mukti" is directed by Tropa Majumdar.
Theatre and cultural festivals
Amid the ongoing pandemic, the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival enthralled audiences for 12 days at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. With 140 theatre groups and over 3,500 artistes as participants, this year brought a diverse programme to the forefront.
The ninth instalment of the festival was dedicated to the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking 50 years of independence of Bangladesh at the same time. 36 theatre troupes from Bangladesh staged 36 plays at the event. Additionally, visitors were treated with street plays, recitations, musical, and dance performances. This colourful event was inaugurated by 50 heroic freedom fighters.
Besides, Bangladesh Mahila Samity organised a festival to celebrate the birth centenary of Nilima Ibrahim. Batikrom Nattyagoshthi organised a festival, in remembrance of playwright, actor, and director Syed Mohidul Islam.
Portraying genocide across 64 districts
Commemorating the struggle of our Liberation War, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and birth centenary of the Father of The Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, noted cultural and theatre personality Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), conceptualised and organised 'Gonohotta Poribesh Theatre'. Based on the mass genocides in 1971, the plays are being staged in 64 districts across the country.