Syed Shamsul Haque’s play staged in New York

Syed Shamsul Haque is among the most versatile writers of Bangla literature who successfully explored many different branches of literature. Before his passing away last September the poet expressed his wish to have his liberation war based play Tora Shob Joyodhoni Kor staged in New York in the United States. Jamal Uddin Hossain, a New York based theatre aficionado and director, has made this wish come true.  The play, exceeding two hours, was staged last Sunday in New York’s Jackson Heights under Hossain’s direction and produced by the group New York Nagorik Nattyangon Ensemble. A civilian named Kazi Nazrul Islam was arrested after Pakistani military assault on March 25, 1971. The military detained him thinking he was the famous poet of the same name. They asked Nazrul to give a statement and write a poem supporting Pakistan. Nazrul refused to sign the statement and write a poem knowing that the refusal meant certain death. His reason was that the poet Nazrul would not have done it either. The play started by showing the historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7. The theatre group, comprising of 13 members, gave a powerful performance and engaged the audience completely.  Jamal Uddin Hossain’s direction showed the indomitable spirit of one civilian Nazrul and by extension the spirit of the whole Bengali nation. Sharif Hossain, Mizanur Rahman Biplob, Shulka Roy and Shemonti Wahed acted in the main roles. The performance was preceded by a seminar on the late poet and recitation from his poetry.