Selim Al Deen: The great Natyacharya in the eyes of the youth

Natyacharya Selim Al-Deen is synonymous to the theatre of Bangladesh. Today marks his 69th birth anniversary. Like every year, his beloved Dhaka Theatre organised a festival to celebrate the life of the great man. They staged 'Dhaboman,' a notable written by Selim Al Deen directed by Shimul Yousuf at the main hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday. 

Many senior actors are associated with the popular production Dhaboman which is being performed over a deacade now. In the course of time, many young theatre actors have also joined the troupe. The Daily Star  was in a conversation with some young artistes of Dhaka Theatre during their rehearsal break, talking about the timeless work of Selim Al Deen and his relevance in today's time.

Asadujjaman is one of the few fortunate ones who had an opportunity to attend Selim Al Deen's classes. He says that Selim Al-Deen was so precise in his writing, that just reading his work alone can set the basics of a young theatre actor. "He is an institution; anyone who intends to learn would gain a lot reading about him and his writings."

Another promising artiste and director, Shajjad Ahmed says reading his work and performing on stage turned him into a better human being. "After performing in Dhaboman, I grew more compassion for animals, humans and life as a whole." He recalls the little bell of the cow he treasures which belonged to the cow they sacrificed for Eid. "I discover and realise life more every time I perform his plays," he adds.

Due to her family association, Esha Yusuf had the opportunity to observe the writer closely. Selim baba, as she called him, is the name of a concept that will always be relevant. She says, "We cannot even get close to his idea of a society or a civilisation due to social, political and cultural boundaries. That will take a long time for us to reach, because we do not have the freedom that is needed. However, we have the implantation of his idea in us." She also says that he is very relevant to her way of thinking.

Esha also wants to make a film out of one of Natyacharya's works: “Selim baba knew that I want to turn Hargaj into a film and I have his permission. Honestly, I think most of his works are cinema material, but it is an area that is still unexplored and I would definitely like to venture in it."