Theatre groups observe World Drama Day

Eminent theatre activitists leading the rally

Many roads led to Natok Sarani (the road adjacent to the most popular theatre venue Mahila Samity Stage) on World Drama Day, celebrated on March 27. To mark this occasion, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) and International Theatre Institute (ITI) Bangladesh branch jointly arranged a programme.

The programme started with a colourful rally of enthusiastic theatre activists. In a short speech Mamunur Rashid and Nasiruddin Yousuff demanded re-opening of the Girl Guides Auditorium by or before May 1 for regular staging of plays. The rally, was followed by a discussion session presided over by Mamunur Rashid, the Chairman of BGTF.

The discussion session began with the welcome speech delivered by Ataur Rahman, the General Secretary of ITI Bangladesh. Liaqaut Ali Lucky, General Secretary of BGTF, Nasiruddin Yousuff, the President of Shammilito Shanskritik Jote were the other discussants in the programme.

The participants analysed the current drama scenario in Bangladesh. Speakers said that though our theatre has a lacuna in the designing department, to its credit it deals with contemporary issues. That is why our theatre is a humane theatre, said the speakers.

Another aspect of the discussion session was ITI Bangladesh branch's President Ramendu Majumdar's speech on World Drama Day titled "Our Theatre and Others' Theatre". In the written speech Ramendu made some observations on theatre in developing countries such as UAE, Iran, Iceland and others.

Moreover, Tropa Majumdar read the message of World Drama Day-2005 written by French director Arian Mushkin. Late Najma Anwar was honoured for her contribution to theatre.

After the discussion, a Jatrapala titled Aanarkoli directed by Milon Kanti Dey was staged.

With the typical rhythmic orchestra presentation Anarkali, a joint production by Desh Opera, Madhu Chhanda Jatra Unit and Agrogami Natya Shongstha, started through a rivetting scene when Aanarkoli, an Iranian woman faces torture by a lecher. The story of the pala is pretty simple: just a narrative of love story between Mughal prince Salim and Anarkali, which has a tragic ending. However, the popular story still retains its unique appeal.

Theatre activists enjoyed the performance of the traditional Jatra artistes in colourful costumes and with high-scale rhythmic voice modulation.

The International Theatre Institute (ITI), in their ninth council in Vienna, announced March 27, as World Drama Day. From 1962, onwards it has been celebrated by all the member countries of ITI. This year's World Drama Day is an opportune time for theatre activists to rededicate themselves to this performing art.