Bangladesh International Theatre Festival in full swing

The maiden Bangladesh International Theatre Festival 2019 is in full swing. The weeklong (June 20-26) festival is featuring the staging of plays by eight theatre troupes from seven countries -- France, India, Russia, China, Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), International Theatre Institute (Bangladesh Centre) and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation has organised the festival at BSA.

State Minister of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP inaugurated the festival in a befitting ambience at the main auditorium of the National Theatre Hall (NTH) of BSA on June 20. Planning Minister M.A. Mannan, MP graced the occasion as chief guest. Renowned thespian Nasiruddin Yousuff, also the President of International Theatre Institute (ITI) Bangladesh, delivered welcome address at the event, elaborating the detailed schedule of the festival.

Chairman of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), Liaquat Ali Lucky, also the Director General of BSA; renowned thespian Ramendu Majumdar, also Honourary President of ITI worldwide and internationally famous Indian playwrigh, Ratan Thiyam spoke at the inaugural event.  Dr Md Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, NDC, acting secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, presided over the programme.

"Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Bangladesh is progressing in every respect. Art, culture and literature are no exception of that. We are happy to learn that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, for the first time, is hosting an international theatre festival that will definitely augment the image of the country and its cultural strength," said M.A. Mannan.

Expressing gratitude to all concerned who worked hard to make this festival come into reality, the State Minister for Cultural Affairs said, "This is the first international theatre festival that is being organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. International theatre festivals of such kind will be frequently arranged annually and biennially in cooperation with you all."

"This festival has come into being with the enthusiastic spirit our State Minister for Cultural Affairs K.M. Khalid. Many have worked hard to make this festival happen, but one person Debprasad Debnath, also the festival director, work ceaselessly to arrange it in the shortest possible time," said Ramendu Majumdar. "It is the government that should make proper use of our creative efforts."

Liaquat Ali Lucky elaborated on various upcoming cultural projects and their execution in the days to come.

Following the opening ceremony, artistes of Dhriti Nartanalaya (Bangladesh) staged their dance drama Mayar Khela at the venue. Mayar Khela, is a complex love story woven in melody. Rabindranath Tagore provides an unconventional take on this concept. Dancer-choreographer Warda Rihab's adaptation of the Geetinatya was stellar. She also donned a lead role of 'Pramada' in it. Dance artistes of Dhriti Nartanalay, founded by Warda, performed various roles in it.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

A French production of Oh My Sweet Land was staged yesterday at the Experimental Theatre Hall of BSA by Théâtre de Vidy Lausanne and the Young Vic London. Chorus Repertory Theatre (India) also staged Macbeth on the day at the main auditorium of NTH.

A seminar, along with a masterclass, will take place at 3 pm today at the seminar room of BSA while Annesha Theatre (Bangladesh) will stage a folk play Joytun Bibir Pala at the main auditorium of NTH, BSA.