Theatre galore at Shilpakala

Members of Padatic Natya Sangsad in scenes from the dance drama “Shojon Badiar Ghat”
(top and left). “Sheishob Dinguli” by Nagarik Natyangan features turmoil of the Liberation War (right). Photo: Neloy Hossain

The new year began on a high note for theatre lovers, as many theatre troupes staged plays at different venues of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on January 1.
A three-day festival by Padatic Natya Sangsad to mark the 107th birth anniversary of Polli Kobi Jasimuddin ends today at the National Theatre Hall. Nagarik Natyangan's two-day 15th anniversary celebration programme ended yesterday at the Experimental Theatre Hall. Both the festivals began on January 1.
Among the numerous characters created by Jasimuddin, perhaps 'Asmani' is the most popular. To everyone's surprise, Asmani, now an aged woman, was invited to inaugurate the festival by lighting candles. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was the special guest at the inauguration.
Liakat Ali Lucky, chairman, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation was among the speakers at the programme.
On the first day, dance drama "Shojon Badiar Ghat" was staged. Based on Jasimuddin's eponymous ballad , the drama was directed by Kazi Rafique.
Two other plays, based on Jasimuddin's works, "Nakshi Kanthar Math" and "Beder Meye" were staged at the festival.
Nagarik Natyangan's 15th anniversary celebration began with dance and a mini procession by the members of the troupe. The procession circled around the BSA premises. Members of the troupe also sang several songs including Rabindra Sangeet at the lobby of Experimental Theatre Hall.
Former advisor to the caretaker government, Rasheda K Chowdhury was the chief guest at the inaugural programme. Among the speakers at the programme were poet Asad Chowdhury, theatre personalities Lucky Enam and Dr.Enamul Huq, president of the troupe.
The troupe awarded crests to 11 of its talented and dedicated members. Rasheda K Chowdhury handed over the crests to the young theatre activists.
Lucky Enam, who is also the general secretary of Nagarik thanked everyone on the occasion and expressed the hope that the troupe will continue to create awareness among the masses through theatre.
Two plays were staged throughout the two days of Nagarik festival. On the first day (January 1), Liberation War based play "Sheishob Dinguli" was presented. Written by Dr. Enamul Huq, the play has been directed by Lucky Enam.
On the second day, Nagarik's acclaimed production "Pragoitihashik" was staged. "Pragoitihashik" is an adaptation by Mahmudul Islam Selim of a short story by Manik Bandyopadhyay. The play is directed by Lucky Enam.
Apart from the two festivals, theatre troupe Battala staged its production "Dhamail" at the Studio Theatre Hall on January 1.