Debashish Ghosh receives Tanushree Padak

Debashish Ghosh receives his award from Ataur Rahman (centre). Photo: Jamil Mahmud

Theatre director Debashish Ghosh received this year's Tanushree Padak, conferred by Natyadhara. The troupe initiated the award in 2001 -- named after its untimely deceased activist Tanushree Gayen. Since then the troupe has been awarding young theatre activists in recognition of their talent.
The award giving ceremony was held at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on June 23. Veteran theatre personality Ataur Rahman announced the name and handed over crest and prize money to Ghosh.
“This award will inspire me to work harder,” said an elated Ghosh. Ghosh began his career as an actor with Dhaka Padatik in 1988. He went to Rabindra Bharati University in 1993 and successfully completed his graduation and post-graduation in Theatre there. So far Ghosh has directed over 20 plays for different troupes. Among his directorial works are “Ebong Ashswa Medh Jagga”, “Khobh”, “Amabashyay Kara”, Pir Chand” and “Shibani Shundari”. “Shey”, directed by him, is one of Padatik Natya Sangshad Bangladesh's current productions.
Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of Shilpakala Academy and chairman of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, was present as special guest. Among others, Alok Basu and Masud Parvez (both of Natyadhara) spoke at the programme. Former recipients of the award, Dilip Chakrobarty (2007) and Kamaluddin Kabir (2006) were also on stage as guests.
Later Natyadhara staged Rabindranath Tagore's “Rother Roshi”. Ashish Khandakar is the director of the play.
The story draws elements from the class system, politics and the need to establish equality. The play is about the eternal but seemingly static chariot of time, as the symbolic God refuses to move it. Overall, the play addresses contemporary global politics.
The cast included Masud Parvez, Sabyasachi Chanchal, Kamal Hossain, Bishwajit Sarker, Alok Saha Babu, Kazi Uzzal, Ashrafun Nehar, Shamsun Nahar and Hafsa Aktar.
Apart from direction, Ashish Khondker also directed the music and designed props for the play. Faiz Zahir was set and light designer.