Odommo Chattagram Festival

A scene from the play. Photo: Anurup Kanti Das

The auditorium of Theatre Institute Chittagong (TIC) teemed with an enthusiastic audience as a five- day theatre festival kick started.
“Tirjak”, a prominent troupe of the port city, staged their much acclaimed production “Madhumala” on the inaugural day of the festival. As part of theongoing “Odommo Chattagram Festival”, organised by The Daily Star, another venue for theatre festival also opened April1 at Shilpakala Academy Chittagong; alongside TIC.
President of International Theatre Institute (ITI)RamenduMajumdar inaugurated the festival as chief guest while the Daily Prothom Alo Resident Editor Abul Momen, The Daily Star Chittagong Bureau Chief Raisul Haq Bahar and General Manager (Production and Events) of The Daily Star Selim SH Chowdhury addressed the gathering.
The Daily Star initiated the festival to zero in on the port city's diverse culture, heritage, beauty and indomitable spirit.
Written by our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the popular production “Madhumala” was directed by TIC director Ahmed Iqbal Haider.
“It was just an outstanding show. Lighting, design and costumesof the production were really captivating,” said Ashraful Anwar, a member of the audience.
The play depicted the ill fated love story of Madhumala, princess of Swandip Madhumala and a prince who pledge their love for one another in a dream state, only to lose each other when reality dawns.
Shaila Sharmin, Mahbubul Islam Rajib, Ripan Barua, AmitChakraborty,Tumpa Chowdhury, Trina Barua, Lucky Amin, Ramiz Ahmed and AhmedIqbal Haider enacted important roles in the play.
Ahmed Iqbal Haider also did set design, costumes of the playwhile AK M Ismail designed the lights.
On the occasion a cultural programme was also held where the local artistes gave performances.