Remembering an icon

Dhaka Theatre along with Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Swapnadal and Desh Bangla Theatre arranged a two-day programme to celebrate the 62nd birth anniversary of theatre icon Selim Al Deen. The programme began on August 18 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). It included staging of plays, exhibition and a memorial lecture.

The inaugural programme was held at the lobby of National Theatre Hall, BSA. ITI Worldwide President Ramendu Majumdar inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Speaking on Al Deen, Majumdar called him “one of the virtuoso creative titans who elevated Bengali theatre.”

Dhaka Theatre chief Nasiruddin Yousuff expressed that he and his troupe along with all the theatre activists of Bangladesh want to celebrate Al Deen and his works, not only on particular occasions but throughout the year.

Among others, Sara Ara Mahmud, director, Department of Film and Theatre, BSA spoke at the inaugural programme.

Artistes of the theatre troupe Swapnadal presented a brief choreography accompanied with music. The performance featured songs eulogising Al Deen.

At the three theatre venues of BSA, Dhaka Theatre, Swapnadal and Shilpakala Academy staged plays written by Al Deen.

Dhaka Theatre staged its much-acclaimed production “Nimojjon” at the National Theatre Hall. Directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff, the play addresses the horrors of genocides throughout the ages across the globe.

“Nimojjon” does not have a particular storyline. According to the play, the history of civilisation and genocides are interwoven -- every civilisation has had a history of genocide. And the repetition of these brutal incidents has brought down humans from the superior position.

The cast included Milu Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman Aman, Sirajul Islam, Samiun Jahan and Sayeed Rinku.

Swapnadal staged “Festoon-e Lekha Smriti” at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The play depicts Al Deen's Liberation War memories, and is an adaptation of an article published in the Bangla daily Ajker Kagoj in 1993. Zahid Ripon has directed the play.

Shonali, Sharif, Emon, Shishir, Laboni and Anu were among the actors in the play.

Shilpakala Academy staged “Putro” at the Studio Theatre Hall. Directed by Mohammad Jasimuddin, the play follows a couple who lose their only child.

Enamtara Saki and Bakar Bakul played the duo.

The exhibition at the lobby of National Theatre Hall included posters and photographs. The display also featured miniature replicas of the stages used in Al Deen plays such as “Chaka”, “Prachya”, “Hargoj”, “Dhaboman” and “Bano Pangshul”.