You cannot master an art overnight… Arif Hossain

Arif Hossain Apel is a young theatre activist. He has been involved with Aranyak Natyadal since 2000. Apart from theatre, he has made several TV appearances, but he prefers to be addressed as a theatre activist. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Arif talked about his entry into the theatre sphere, his journey, his inspiration and more.

How did you start as a theatre activist?

Arif: In the late 90's, some of my friends formed a theatre troupe in Dhaka's Kachukhet area. After working with them, I felt an urge of getting involved with a professional theatre troupe and eventually found an opening in Aranyak.

What drives you to perform on stage?

Arif: Every time I get on the stage, I feel like I'm doing it for the first time. The experience is always fresh; I become one with the character I play. Theatre artistes have practice to a lot, follow the characters, visualize their actions and meditate, as you do not get a second chance to correct your act.

What's your take on our current theatre scene?

Arif: Theatre is a form of art; it has its own way of interpreting life and I think our theatre is advancing rapidly. Theatre goers are increasingly becoming responsive. Despite several limitations, we have made significant progress.

What do you consider highlights of your career so far?

Arif: I've played roles in some of the popular plays of Aranyak, and that is a great achievement for me. Moreover, it has been a privilege for me to learn from the likes of Mamunur Rashid, Fazlur Rahman Babu and Raisul Islam Asad. To me, theatre is my family; a kind of responsibility that I cannot stay away from.

What is your suggestion for newcomers to the scene?

Arif: I would suggest that they be patient, be devoted to theatre and have a inclination to learn through mistakes. I think acting is an art, it comes naturally and one cannot master the art overnight.

Is there “a bigger dream” that you have for theatre?

Arif: I often dream of a common ground for arts in our country. People will love theatre and theatre will return its love and carry out social responsibility through newer interpretations and ideas. Theatre, as a form of art, influences originality and gives people a glimpse of their own culture.