The 8th Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival was inaugurated at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), recently. A hundred and twenty-one organisations from India and Bangladesh are currently entertaining art loves at the fiesta.

Dhaka Theatre’s ‘Ponchanari Akhyan’ staged at Experiemntal Theatre Hall, BSA. Photos: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

State Minister for Cultural Affair K M Khalid graced the occasion as the chief guest. Actor extraordinaire and former Minister of Cultural Affairs, Asaduzzaman Noor and Meghnath Bhattacharya inaugurated the festival by lighting Mangal Pradips (small lamps). Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of BSA, Dr Neepa Choudhury, Director, Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, Mannan Hira, President of Bangladesh Path Natok Parishad, and Kamal Bayazid, Secretary General, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) were also in attendance, among others. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Ghulam Quddus and was anchored by Ahkam Ullah, General Secretary of Bangladesh Abritti Somonnoy Parishad.

Palakar troupe’s ‘Ujane Mrityu’ staged at Studio Theater Hall, BSA. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

After the inauguration, the guests were then honoured with uttorios and crests. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr Neepa Choudhury. “I feel this kinds of festivals are very important as they forge a strong bond of friendship between Bangladesh and India. I am very glad to be a part of this event,’ she said.

‘Hason Janer Raja’ staged by Prangonemor troupe at National Theatre Hall, BSA. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Spondon’s performance at the inaugural ceremony. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Asaduzzaman Noor, in his speech said, “I wish we could have such an audience every day while we stage our theatres. I believe, I will not be disappointed from tomorrow when the shows start at 7 every day till October 20.”

Dance Troupe Spondon performed at the inaugural ceremony to initiate the cultural fest. Their dance routine was choreographed by Anik Basu. Three plays were staged in different theatre halls at BSA after the inaugural ceremony.

Prangonemor’s, Hason Janer Raja was staged at the National Theatre Hall, BSA. Based on the life of famous Bengali poet, mystic philosopher and songwriter from Sylhet Hason Raja, the drama is written by Sakoor Majid, and directed by Ananta Hira.

Palakar troupe’s thirteenth production, Ujane Mrityu was staged in the Studio Theater Hall of BSA. Originally written by Syed Waliullah, Shamim Sagor has worked on this adaptation.

Dhaka Theatre’s 37th production, Ponchanari Akhyan was also staged at the Experiemntal Theatre hall of BSA. The play is written by Harun Rashid and has been directed by Shahiduzzaman Selim. Renowned theatre actor Rosy Siddique plays five different roles in the drama -- Jolekha, Antora, Monoroma, Morium and Momtaz. All the characters were confined to a boundary created by an enduring patriarchal society.