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Bangladesh Theatre’s Silver Jubilee celebrated

100th show of ‘Roktokorobi’ staged, Ramendu Majumdar receives ‘Natyaratna Padak’

Art & Culture Report :

Twenty five years celebration of country’s one of the most prominent theatre troupe Bangladesh Theatre was concluded yesterday with the showcasing of Aranyak’s well-acclaimed play ‘Rarang’ at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).
“Natok Hok Susthyo Mononshilota Sristir Tirthokhetra”, with this slogan, the troupe has organised a seven-day theatre festival titled ‘Rojotjoyonti Natyautsab 2011’ which included presentation of seven highly-praised plays by seven different troupes.
Besides staging plays, the festival also included celebration rally, get-together of theatre members, presentation of Lalon’s songs, theatre songs and showcasing glimpses from several renowned plays. Through the festival, the organising troupe has introduced a theatre award titled ‘Bangladesh Theatre Natyaratna Padak’ which will be given every year to a theatre personality for his outstanding contribution to the country's theatre movement. This year, Ramendu Majumdar, worldwide president of International Theatre Institute (ITI), was honoured with this award.
Showcasing of much-admired plays is the main attraction of a festival and in this festival the attraction began on November 25 with the staging of ‘Sea Morog’ by the organising troupe. Written by Humayun Kabir Himu and directed by Khondokar Shah Alam, the play was staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
On the second day of the festival, Loko Natyadal (Siddeshwari) staged the most-staged play in the history of theatre in the country 'Konjush'. Directed by Liaquat Ali Lucky, the play was adapted by Tariq Anam Khan from Moliere satire 'The Miser'.
The play presents a ‘Dhakaiyya’ (a native of old Dhaka) protagonist and through his story, Konjush attacks the opportunistic tendencies of the elite.
Tagore's one of the most-talked play 'Noshtonir' was showcased by Dhaka Theatre on the third day of the festival. Dramatised by young playwright Rubayet Ahmed, the play was directed by Pijush Bondopadhyay. The cast of the play included Khairul Islam Pakhi and Binodini famed theatre artiste Shimul Mostapha among others.
On November 28, Natyakendra staged its highly-acclaimed production ‘Dalim Kumar’ at the National Theatre Hall. Written by Shuvasis Sinha, the play was directed by Yusuf Hasan Arko.
The fifth day of the festival featured the staging of Tagore’s one of the most acclaimed play ‘Muktadhara’ which was directed by Naila Azad Nupur.
On November 30, the festival, however, became a part of history as the 100th show of Tagore’s much-admired play ‘Roktokorobi’ was staged by Nagorik Natya Shampraday. Directed by prominent theatre personality Ataur Rahman, the play got special attraction to the audiences as popular TV actress Aupee Karim has performed in this show. Aupee, however, was seen performing 91 shows of this play during the last ten years since the play was premiered on November 30 in 2001.
While expressing her feelings about playing the role of Nandini Aupee said, “I won’t be able to make you understand how much I like the character ‘Nandini’. It is the best achievement in my life. I am really happy to perform in its 100th show.”
Director Ataur Rahman, who also played the role of Raja in this play, said, “Today we not only celebrated the 100th show of this play, but also the play turned 10 years now. And with the play, we all also became 10 years older.”
The ending of the festival was marked yesterday with the staging of Aranyak's applauded production ‘Rarang’. Directed by well-renowned theatre and TV personality Mamunur Rashid, the play depicts the strife of the impoverished Santals against aggression imposed by the dominating Bengalis. Based on the true story of Alfred Shoren, the play portrays an attempt at a revolution against discrimination. 
In this play, stunning performance of popular TV actors Mamunur Rashid, Tamalika Karmaker and Chanchal Chowdhury impressed the audiences most.