SELIM AL DEEN: A Lighthouse of Bangla Theatre

Selim Al Deen, perhaps the most celebrated name of Bangladeshi theatre in post-Rabindranath era, breathed his last on this day in 2008. The playwright, fondly called Natyacharya, is credited as ushering in a new era in our theatre scene trough his plays and extensive research in the field.

Selim Al-Deen was born on August 18,1949 in Sonagazi Upazila of Feni. He was attracted to Bangla literature at a young age, and wrote a few poems. But later, with encouragement from Munier Chowdhury, he focused on theatre

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His plays strive to connect with the roots of traditional theatrical forms. Selim Al-Deen's most important contribution to Bangla theatre is his research into its roots. roots. He was of the view that the history of Bengali drama is older than that of European drama.

He wrote his first drama in 1968 while still a university student. His first radio play “Biporit Tomosay” was broadcast in 1969, and the next year his play aired on Bangladesh Television.

He introduced rpic realism in Bengali literature, and several of his works including “Bashon”, “Atotayi”, “Keramat Mangal”, “Hat Hodai” and “Chaka” follow this pattern. He also brought out the folklore tradition called Katha-natya in his dramas “Joiboti Koinnar Mon” and “Hargaj.”  Selim Al-Deen also revived Mymensingh Geetika, and penned a few plays following the pattern.

To pursue his love of theatre,, he founded the Drama and Dramatics Department at Jahangirnagar University.

He was one of the founding members of Dhaka Theatre that played a vital role in the progressive theatre movement ofe post-Liberation Bangladesh.

To observe his death anniversary, Selim Al Deen Foundation is holding a two-day programme at Jahangirnagar University and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The programme includes placing wreaths at his grave at JU, a collage of his plays and a seminar at BSA.