Abdullah Al Mamun birth anniversary celebration ends
The eight-day Abdullah Al Mamun birth anniversary celebration programme ended at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on July 17. On the concluding day, Theatre staged the Mamun's popular play "Meraj Fakir-er Ma."
It was the first birth anniversary celebration after Mamun's demise on August 21 last year. Mamun's troupe, Theatre, in association with BSA, arranged the celebration programme.
Apart from plays, the vibrant programme (starting on July 10) also included screening of Mamun's feature films, documentaries on him and his works, photography and book exhibition and daylong seminars.
Six invited troupes, including Nagarik Natya Sampraday, Palakar and Centre for Asian Theatre, staged Mamun's acclaimed as well as lesser-known plays like "Ekhon Duhshomoy," "Bibisab" and "Shenapati."
Films directed by Mamun -- "Sareng Bou," "Dui Jibon" and "Bihanga" were screened at the festival.
In most of Mamun's plays, social elements or messages involving the ongoing struggle between middle and upper class, generating awareness against fundamentalism, and the much-discussed issue of trial of war criminals are apparent.
Written and directed by Mamun, "Meraj Fakir-er Ma" featured theatre icons Ferdousi Majumdar and Ramendu Majumdar. The full house on the weekend was a good indication of the level of expectation.
The powerful play highlights the age-old conflict between religion and humanity. What if, one morning one discovered that his/her identity was in question? That one's religious belief did not match that of his/her parents.
"Meraj Fakir-er Ma" zooms in on the fact that religion has always played a key role in our society. In most cases the essence of religion has been misinterpreted, to the benefit of some in the society. The question, which Mamun put forward, is should religion precede humanity? In the play, these are the questions that a young man (Meraj Fakir) is forced to ask himself when his mother is dragged into a conflict.
Ferdousi Majumdar was in the role of the mother. Ramendu Majumdar played a shrewd character, Kazi Tabarok. The character of Geda Fakir, which Mamun used to play, was enacted by Shekanul Islam Shahi. Tofa Hossain played the role of Meraj Fakir.
Earlier in the morning on the concluding day, a seminar titled "Abdullah Al Mamun: Byakti O Sroshta," was held at the seminar room of BSA. Presided over by the director general of BSA, Kamal Lohani, discussants spoke on Mamun's writings and personal endeavours.
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