Two young activists receive SM Solaiman scholarship

L-R: Anowarul Haque receives a crest from Ramendu Majumder, while an elated Shahadat Hossain (right) looks on. A scene from the play “Court Martial”.Photo: Mumit M.

Young theatre activists Shahadat Hossain and Anowarul Haque received the SM Solaiman Motivation Scholarship for the year 2009 and 2010 respectively. Shahadat is one of the leading actors of noted troupe Centre for Asian Theatre (CAT), while Anowar is a front-liner of Udichi's theatre wing. Solaiman's troupe Theatre Art Unit has been inspiring young theatre activists with this scholarship since 2005.
The scholarships were handed over to the actors at a ceremony held on October 8, at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. ITI Worldwide president Ramendu Majumder handed over crest and Taka 10,000 each to Shahadat and Anowar. Majumder was special guest at the programme, which was presided over by Rokeya Rafique Baby, chief of Theatre Art Unit.
“This scholarship will encourage me to do even better,” Shahadat responded. Anowar said that the achievement was special as it was a recognition of his talent for theatre.
Shahadat has performed in some of CAT's popular plays such as “The Communicator”, “Bhelua Shundori” and “The Lady from the Sea” and Shilpakala Academy production “Eksho Bosta Chaal”. He has also directed plays for his troupe.
On the other hand, Anowar's repertoire includes Udichi's acclaimed productions “Bou Basanti”, “Chiley Kothar Sepai” and “Half Akhrai”. Anowar has also written and directed Aikik Theatre production “Drop Out”.
The programme also featured the SM Solaiman Memorial Lecture. Professor Ratan Siddiqui of Udichi delivered the lecture. The lecture revolved around Solaiman's life and works. “Solaiman narrates the tale of marginalised people through his plays,” said Siddiqui in his lecture.
To start with, members of Theatre Art Unit rendered songs written and composed by Solaiman. The songs include “Manush Bolo Ki Upay”, “Swapno Amar Mukto Biswa” and “Ek Jonomer Jibon”.
Mohammad Bari of Theatre Art Unit anchored the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the troupe staged its acclaimed production “Court Martial”.
“Court Martial” is Theatre Art Unit's first production. SM Solaiman had adapted the play from Salil Sarkar's translation of Indian playwright Swades Dipak's work. Solaiman was also the director of the play. After his demise, Mohammad Bari has been directing the play.
The play poses a complex question to the audience: Is it possible for human beings to avoid inherent jealousy or cruelty? In “Court Martial” the playwright has tried to discover the truth about one of the most disciplined institutions of the state --- the army.
Mohammad Bari, Selim Mahbub, Prashanta Haldar, Chandan Reza and Ezad played the lead roles. Hemayet Hossain Tapan and Thandu Raihan were the set and light designers of the play.