Power cut interrupts two events at Shilpakala Academy
Photographs by Mumit M.
Because of rampant power cuts, two events at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) – at National Theatre Stage and Experimental Theatre Stage -- were interrupted on April 19. In the dim light of candles, the performances continued.
Recitation troupe Annit and BSA jointly organised a programme featuring recitation, dance, music and drama at the National Theatre Stage. Home Secretary M. Abdul Karim was the chief guest and Managing Director of Bangladesh Film Development Corporation A.N.M. Badrul Amin was the special guest at the programme. The event was presided over by Bhuinya Shafiqul Islam, director general of Bangladesh BSA.
At the Experimental Theatre Stage, Centre for Asian Theatre held a 'reading session' of Manzur-e Moula's latest lyrical drama, Tin Ibsen. The performance was followed by a discussion presided over by poet Abul Hossain.
Six actors performed in the first act of Tin Ibsen. Creating imaginary discourses between Ibsen and his three legendary characters -- Nora of A Doll's House, Hedda of Hedda Gabler and Rebecca of Rosmorsoln -- Moula's play presents three dimensions of Ibsen's life: as a human being, as a poet and dramatist and as a revolutionary.
Theatre personality Ataur Rahman spoke at both events. Commenting on the frequent power cuts, he said, "It is rather unacceptable that events at the National Theatre Stage should get interrupted because of power cuts. This goes on to demonstrate the inefficiency of the BSA staff."
Director of the Department of Theatre and Film, BSA, Shafi Kamal said, "At present we don't have a generator. Hence there is no alternative source of electricity during power cuts."
According to viewers and cultural activists, the National Theatre Stage and Experimental Theatre Stage have other problems as well. Often the air conditioning system of both halls do not work properly and on hot evenings the audiences are too uncomfortable to enjoy performances in peace.
Maintenance Engineer of the National Theatre Stage Shukhdev Chandra Das said, "Under the second phase of the National Theatre Stage, the generator should be working within two months."
Das claimed that rest of the problems would also be solved after completion of the second phase.
Comments