A theatrical extravaganza begins in Dhaka

The second edition of Dhaka International Theatre Fest began at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) premises on March 12, amid much enthusiasm. International Theatre Institute (ITI), Bangladesh Centre in association with BSA is organising the fest. 

Finance Minister AMA Muhith inaugurated the festival in presence of distinguished guests including Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Cultural Affairs Secretary Ranjit Kumar Biswas, honorary president of ITI (worldwide) Ramendu Majumdar, BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, president of ITI Bangladesh Centre Nasiruddin Yousuff and general secretary Debaprosad Debnath.

Muhith said people should develop a taste for culture so that they can prevent the rise of the evil forces, while Asaduzzaman Noor insisted on the power of theatre and how it can present Bangladeshi culture on global platforms. 

Theatre Designers' Institute (TDI) along with a group of theatre activists from different troupes participated in the grand opening ceremony called "Buk-e Biswas Paye Urbar Pali". It featured the age-old cultural heritage of this land and the glorious phase that the country went through. Chintak Theater of Gobindagonj, Gaibandha staged their production "Shashoto Bangla" at the inaugural ceremony at Nandan Mancha. 

The 10-day long fest – from March 12 to 21 -- is being held simultaneously at three halls of BSA– National Theatre Hall, Experimental Theatre Hall and Studio Theatre Hall.

About 23 troupes from four countries will stage their productions at the fest. A number of dialogues and workshops on different aspects of theatre are also on the festival calendar. 

An exhibition hosting portraits of theatre icons across the world will be on display throughout the festival at the lobby of National Theatre Hall. 

The festival is dedicated to theatre legend Shambhu Mitra to mark his birth centenary. 

Today BotTala will stage "The Trial of Mallam Ilya" at Experimental Theatre Hall, Srishti Cultural Centre will stage "Badi Bandar Roopkatha" at National Theatre Hall and TheatrEX will stage "Dokkhina Sundori" at Studio Theatre Hall. The performance begins at 7pm every day.