On the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation arranged a ten-day theatre festival at Bangladesh Mahila Samity. The festival was inaugurated yesterday, with the 242nd staging of the popular play, "Court Martial", by Theatre Art Unit.

The inauguration ceremony was dedicated to Ekushey Padak-winning actor Aly Zaker, who passed away in November 2020. Each day of the festival will be dedicated to a deceased artiste. The ceremony began with the National Anthem, followed by a minute of silence observed in memory of all the artistes that we lost over the last year.

Monchosarothi Ataur Rahman was present as the chief guest, while veteran actor Lucky Enam presided over the function. Other eminent personalities like playwright M Hamid, Secretary General of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Kamal Bayazid, Soheli Sarwar Neepa from Bangladesh Mahila Samity, along with playwrights Dev Prasad Debnath and Ananta Hira were also present.

M Hamid shared, "The Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation has organised this festival to commemorate Bangabandhu's birth centenary and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, for which I express my gratitude to them." The evening also featured dance performances by two organisations, Sapna Bikash Lalitakala and Nabaras.

On the second day of the festival, Dhaka Nandonik's "Grohonkaal" will be staged, while Drishyakabbo Natyadal's "Bagh" will be staged on March 19. The play, "Rifle", by Shobdo Natyacharcha Kendra, will be staged on March 20.  On March 21, Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble will stage "Tora Shob Joyodhoni Kor". On March 22, Dhaka Padatik will stage "Kotha 71", and Kheyali Natryo Goshthi will stage "Kadamtolu Army Camp" on March 23. "The Condemned Cell" by Prangone Mor will be staged on March 24. "Kalratri" by Padatik Natya Sangsad TSC will be staged on March 25. The festival will end on March 26, with the staging of "Payer Awaj Pawa Jay" by Theatre (Bailey Road). The event will start at 7 pm every day. 

Lucky Enam shared, "We hope the audience will respond and make the birth centenary of Bangalore memorable. At the same time, remember the golden jubilee of independence." This festival is co-sponsored by Bangladesh Mahila Samity, and patronised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Moreover, one freedom fighter will be honoured at the event every day.

Translated by Mormee Mahtab