Carrying the slogan “Let theatre be a weapon of liberation from exploitation,” Bagerhat Theatre marked its 48th anniversary and entry into its 49th year in Dhaka with an evening of traditional Bengali puthi recitation and the play Fande Poriya. The event was organized by the Dhaka Unit of Bagerhat Theatre and began at 6:45 PM at the Studio Theatre Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha.
As part of the founding anniversary programme, Bagerhat Theatre’s production of Rabindranath Tagore’s Dak Ghar (The Post Office), a radio play, was broadcast on the same day at 10:00 PM on Bangladesh Betar’s Dhaka station, on both Home and FM channels. It was a group performance of the play.
Bagerhat Theatre was founded 48 years ago under the leadership of cultural figure, playwright and actor Sheikh Nazrul Islam. Since its founding, the organization has regarded theatre as a powerful medium for social change and has played a role in theatre practice and the cultural movement.
One of the most traditional institutions of the southern region’s theatre scene, it has overcome many adversities and changing times over its long journey and continued its creative activities. Its key aims are to portray social inconsistencies, discrimination and exploitation through stage plays, to awaken people’s sense of rights, and to spread the practice of art and culture among the new generation.
At the invitation of Bagerhat Theatre’s Dhaka Unit, a “Puthi Recitation Session” featuring traditional Bengali puthi was presented at the event. Child and teenage students of Shabdakalpadruma, along with recitation artists, took part.
The recitations included Ekusher Puthi and Shadhinotar Puthi by poet Maruful Islam; Matribhashar Puthi by poet Kaler Likhon; Muktijuddher Puthi by poet Foyzul Alam Pappu; Ritur Puthi by Ruksana Mili; Shorritur Puthi by poet Tamanna Sarwar Nipar; excerpts from Mahuar Pala and Kamalasundarir Gatha from the Mymensingh Gitika, collected by Dinesh Chandra Sen and composed by Dwija Kanai; and Rastar Kobita by poet Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah.
The participants in the puthi recitation were Fawzia Anjum Ilana, Kazi Arisha Afsan, Arnish Dhali Avir, Wajiha Anjum Liana, Adiba Hossain, Ayat Hasan Mohor, Mehrima Naomi, Nuwairah Rashid Riddhi, Kritika Joaddar, Souptik Pronom Roy Kabya, Pidim Binte Shahin, Parmita Mahbub Arisha, Prottasha Binte Shahin, Yusra Anuva, Mimha Binte Monir, Hira Akter, Farhana Mitu, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Tushar Kanti Roy, Laila Akter, Luna Afroza and Nazmul Ahsan. Nazmul Ahsan was in charge of direction and supervision.
In the second part of the programme, the play Fande Poriya, written by Subinoy Das, was staged. The new theatrical adaptation and direction were by Tabedar-e-Rasul Channu. The cast included H M Al Mamun, Apu Ahmed, Takdir Abid Poni, Akhtaruzzaman Jhulon, Rahmatul Karim, Fahima Tajrin Avija and Tabedar-e-Rasul Channu. The play was produced by Bagerhat Theatre.
Today, Thursday, 15 October, Bagerhat Theatre is holding an event at its Theatre Bhaban in Bagerhat featuring reminiscences, a radio play, recitation and adda (informal gathering).
Marking Bagerhat Theatre’s glorious 48-year journey and its entry into its 49th year, this programme is an effort to further enrich cultural practice by bringing together Bengali folk heritage, recitation and stage drama.
