Week-long natl street theatre festival begins at Central Shaheed Minar
DL desk
Weeklong National Street Theatre Festival (Jatiya Patho Natya Utsab) has begun on Wednesday on the premises of Central Shaheed Minar in the capital. Eminent artist Samarjit Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the eight-day festival on Wednesday evening as chief guest, while noted thespian Ramendu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote President Golam Kuddus, Presidium Member of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Jhuna Chowdhury, President of Street Theatre Council Mannan Hira and theatre personality Rokeya Rafique Baby were present as special guests.
Presided over by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation chairman Liaquat Ali Lucky, secretary general Akhtaruzzaman delivered the welcome speech. The inauguration ceremony was followed by staging a dance-drama performance titled Uronto Pakhi by the artistes of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
On the opening day, Theatre Art Unit brought out their Liberation War based play Janam Dukhi Maa. Scripted by SM Sultan, the play has been directed by Dr Mohammad Bari.
Yesterday, on the second day of the festival, Dhaka Mancha staged Food Problem, Athik Theatre staged Putra Boron, Charunirom Theatre staged Opekhya and Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC) staged Porichoy.
This year, a total of 34 plays by the theatre troupes of inside and outside Dhaka will be staged during the eight-day National Street Theatre Festival. Every day the plays will be staged at 4:30pm on the premises of Central Shaheed Minar. As a part of the theatre movement of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, the festival has been taking place since 1986.
