Homage to the National Poet

“Shunyo E Bukey” articulated poetic moments, inspired by Nazrul’s songs. Photo: Mumit M.

As a tribute to the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) staged a dance-drama, titled “Shunyo E Bukey” at the National Theatre Hall on October 27.
The programme was divided into two segments. The first part featured a discussion on Nazrul's creations and in the second part artistes staged the dance-drama.
“Though the poet's death anniversary was on August 29, we are observing it now as we couldn't hold a programme then due to Ramadan. Nazrul is our National Poet and observing his achievements shouldn't be limited to two days -- birth and death anniversaries,” R.A. Mahmud Selim, director, Music and Dance Department of BSA said.
Professor Md. Abdul Quaiyum said, “Nazrul composed numerous songs and poems which remain major sources of inspiration. We find brilliant uses of allegories in almost each of his works. He created an uproar when he demanded absolute independence of the undivided India through his writings in Dhumketu.”
In his speech Kamal Lohani, director general of BSA, said, “Nazrul is a poet of the masses. His words give us hope in the face of any crisis. Works of Rabindranath, Nazrul and Sukanta inspired us during our major national movements.”
The dance-drama started after the discussion.
The protagonist is on an endless journey. His boat stops at an unknown village. Deeply enamoured and feeling on top of the world, the voyager wants to give his beloved a wreath of stars to adorn her lustrous locks. At times the traveller is as violent as a storm and at others, vulnerable by the grief caused by separation from his lover. “Shunyo E Bukey” articulated poetic moments, inspired by Nazrul's songs.
The production featured a number of Nazrul Sangeet -- "Amar kon kuley aaj bhirlo tori ", "Mor ghum-o ghorey eley manohor", "Boshiya bijoney", "Pothik bondhu esho", "Mor priya hobey esho rani debo khopa-e tara'r phool", "Anjoli laho mor", "Alga karo go khopar bandhon", "Amar nayan-e nayan rakhi", "Shunyo e bukey pakhi mor aaye" and more -- with dance performances.
"Shunyo E Bukey," a Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy production, was scripted by Manzur-E-Maula (when he was the DG of BSA). The dance drama was planned and directed by artiste Deepa Khandokar. Ali Azgar Khokon was the music director.
The cast included Abdur Rashid Swapon, Farhana Chowdhury, Farah Shahwar, Rasna Rafiq, Abdus Sattar and others. Songs were rendered by Josef Kamol Rodriguez, Shamshi Faruk Simki, Shahiduzzaman Swapon, Ziaul Hasan, Ferdausi Ahmed Lina and others.