The current political situation of the country is perhaps the reason why the assembly of street plays is a hit with the audience, not to mention the free source of entertainment by highly acclaimed theatre troupes. The schedule of today’s National Street Theatre Festival is comprised of five plays, Padmo Parer Gadya Kotha, Dewal, Chharpatro, Pocketmarer Panchali and Khabishnama will be staged at the Shaheed Minar premises.
On February 3, the third day of the festival, five plays were staged that portrayed contemporary socio-political issues like the injustice in society, war criminals’ turning into powerful entities, religious fallacy and despoiled socio-political norms.
The show began with a play named Sunagorik-er Sandhaney, staged by the troupe Ensemble Theatre (Mymensingh). Written by Malay Bhoumik and directed by Shybal Das Bappi, the storyline of the play highlights the value of high moral standards.
The play was followed by Janoni Janmobhumi, written and directed by Asma Akter Liza and was staged by Nat Nandan. The mono-drama symbolically portrayed a woman as the mother of the nation, who urges the civilian to stop injustice. She cries and puts forward a heartfelt plea to her nation to stop the despicable people who are enviously trying to destroy her pride and reputation.
Shadhinota Tumi Phirey Esho is a play written by eminent playwright Abdullah Al-Mamun. Directed by Said Ahmed, Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble brought the play to the stage. The story showcased how a war criminal becomes a powerful leader in the aftermath of the war and then tries to halt the progressive advancement and growing of liberalism in the society.
Theatre troupe Padatik Natya Sangshad (TSC) staged eminent playwright Mamotazuddin Ahmed’s Shadhinotar Sangram directed by Hamidur Rahman Pappu. Then, Jege Otho, written and directed by Faisal Ahmed was brought to the stage by Natyajoddha.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation has organised the National Street-theatre Festival 2014, to mark the International Mother Language Day and Martyrs’ Day. The programme began on February 1 and will continue until February 7. The slogan of the festival is “Culture against violence.” Around 35 theatre troupes from all over the country including Udichi, Dhaka Sanskritic Dol, Mahakal Natya Sampraday, Opera, Muktangan Natyalay, Brahmanbaria Shahitya Academy, Drishtipat, Bonolota and others are taking part at the seven-day long festival.