Loko Natyadal (Banani), one of the most prominent theatre troupes in the country, brought its new play ‘Thikana’ on the stage recently. The Liberation War-based play was staged at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti auditorium in the capital’s Baily Road on December 16.

Veteran theatre personality Mamunur Rashid inaugurated the staging of ‘Thikana’ formally while secretary of commerce ministry Md Mofijul Islam and theatre personality M Hamid were also present as guests at the event. Presided over by Loko Natyadal advisor, freedom fighter Mohini Mohan Chakraborty, Loko Natyadal president Avijit Chowdhury delivered welcome speech.

Written by proverbial playwright-actor-director Utpal Dutt, ‘Thikana’ was staged for the first time in Kolkata on August 2 in 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The play, written at the time of the country’s Freedom Fight, is considered to be a valuable narrative of sacrifice of the Bangalees. An immensely significant play linked to the history of Bangladesh’s independence, ‘Thikana’ is directed by senior member of Loko Natyadal Dr Pranabananda Chakraborty, who earned a PhD in theatre studies from Pune University of India.

The cast of the play includes Samsad Begum, Minhazul Huda Deep, Abdullah Al Harun, Hafizur Rahman, Sadeq Islam, Aindrila Aditi Das, Mozaqqir Alam Rafan, Sohel Masud, Arif Ahmed, Tanoy Majumdar, Dr Pranabananda Chakraborty, Sudhanshu Nath, Tanjina Rahman and Jasimuddin Khan.

Besides, the stage for ‘Thikana’ was designed by Zahidur Rahman Piplu while lighting design was done by Thandhu Raihan, the music for the play was planned by Muzahidul Haq Lenin, the costume designer was Kamrun Nur Chowdhury and stage management was done by Sudhanshu Nath. 

Photo : courtesy