Natyalay turns two

Natyalay, a young theatre troupe, observed its second anniversary on July 13 at Shawakat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library in Shahbag.
Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, was the chief guest at the programme. Eminent media personality M Hamid and secretary general, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), Jhuna Chowdhury were special guests. The programme started an hour late.
In his speech, Professor Siddique said, “We must uphold our culture and our education system should encourage cultural practices and generate interest in this regard -- grooming youngsters into enlightened citizens.”
M. Hamid spoke on the history of the theatre movement in Bangladesh. Jhuna Chowdhury, congratulated the troupe's efforts. ABM Fazlul Haq, adviser, Natyalay, presided over the function.
Members of Natyalay performed dance and staged a play, titled “Beyadobi Maaf Korben,” scripted and directed by Siraj Hyder and Habib Sarker, respectively.
The troupe's performance, however, seemed not up to the mark -- perhaps due to insufficient rehearsals. Improper Bangla pronunciation of the actors also marred the performance.