Marking the 60th birth anniversary of theatre icon late SM Solaiman, a daylong colorful programme titled “Rongomaton Solaiman Mela 2013” was held on the premises of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on September 27. It was a rendezvous of theatre activists of all generations and also the theatre lovers did not miss the event that included staging of nine productions.
Theatre troupes Aranyak, Subachan, Prangonemor, Swapnadal, Prachyanat, Oikik, Bot Tola and Tirandaj participated in the event organised by Theatre Art Unit.
Theatre personality Ataur Rahman inaugurated the event with the presence of Faiz Zahir, Ananta Hira, Rokeya Rafiq Baby, Mohammad Bari, Zahid Repon and many other renowned names of the theatre arena.
On the open ground of BSA, the troupes staged different parts of plays directed by SM Solaiman. Moreover, they have raised their voices against ongoing political and social turmoil through staging of small productions.
The host troupe presented music and dance and later they staged a special show of its much-acclaimed production titled “Janam Dukhi Maa” on the occasion.
Theatre troupe Swapnadal also staged a special show of its mime production “Swadhinata Sangram” at the National Theatre Hall of the academy in the evening.
Focusing on Bangladesh’s rich cultural elements like boat race, kite race, jatra, puppet shows and more, the production portrays a touching story on the backdrop of the Liberation War of 1971.
Prachyanat staged its latest street theatre production “Target” which is based on the border killing issue between Bangladesh and India, and especially focuses on the murder of innocent Bangladeshi girl Felani.
Theatre Art Unit honoured a Moulvibazaar based theatre troupe Monipuri Theatre with this year’s SM Solaiman scholarship. Led by general secretary Jyoti Sinha, the troupe received the honour among warm greetings of the audience present at the National Theatre Hall.
Besides, the commemorative fair witnessed two separate discussions on life and works of Solaiman and the role of theatre activists on the backdrop of current religious extremism.
Renowned dramatists Tariq Anam Khan and Mannan Heera and cultural personality Mafidul Haque delivered speeches on the occasion, among others.
