Nagarik’s Theatre fest ‘Notuner Utshab 2019’ concludes

Ushering in a new dawn in the horizon of Bangladeshi theatre, renowned theatre troupe Nagarik Natya Sampradaya’s weeklong theatre festival concluded yesterday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The unique festival featured staging of seven new plays on stage under the theme Notuner Utshab 2019: Aye Natoker Ongone at the National Theatre Hall of BSA. The festival, held in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was inaugurated on November 29 with a befitting opening ceremony.

Featuring talented directors -- Pantho Shahrear, Shamim Shagor, Hridi Huq, Saidur Rahman Lipon, Kazi Toufiqul Islam Emon, Shubhashish Sinha and Mostafiz Shahin,  the festival showcased seven new productions -- Kalo Joler Kabbo by Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Radharaman by Sunamganj Association O Bandhan Theatre, Akashey Phuitechhe Phul-Leto Kahon, by Nagorik Natyangan Bangladesh, Arupratan by Porishor, Khoabnama by Prachyanat, O Mon Papia by Manipuri Theatre and Lottery by Mongoldeep Foundation (with creative support from Nagorik Natya Sampradaya).

Abul Hayat, vice-president of the troupe, presided over the closing ceremony. Renowned playwright-researcher, Professor Abdus Selim and renowned actor-director Tarik Anam Khan attended the event as special guests. Pantho Shahrear delivered welcome address on behalf of Sara Zaker, the convener of the festival.

The organisers honoured four eminent actors-directors -- Ferdausi Majumdar, Jyotsna Biswas, Lucky Enam and Shimul Yousuff at the event. They also provided financial support to the assistants of the two artistes at the programme. Young performers from Kendriya Kochi Kachar Mela started off the event with a dance on Eki Labonne Purna Pran, while dancers of Spondon mesmerized with Aha Ki Ananda Akashey Batashey.

The organisers, guests and the awardees shared their love and fond memories with the pioneering thespian and the president of Nagorik, Aly Zaker, and prayed for his early recovery from illness. Nagorik Natya Utshab 2019 was unique, as it staged seven completely new plays, as promised by the troupe to provide a platform for newer troupes in their golden jubilee celebration last year.