As a part of the five-day theatre festival of Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC)—one of the most vibrant theatre troupes in the country, Mohakal Natya Sampraday will stage their much-acclaimed play titled ‘Neelakhyan’ at 7:15 pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Segun Bagicha in the city. On the other hand, the host troupe Padatik Natya Sangsad will stage their play ‘Kaalratri’ at the National Theatre Hall of BSA at the same time. Mohakal’s ‘Neelakhyan’ will be brought on the stage on the second day of the festival titled ‘Syed Badruddin Hossain Smriti Natyotsab and Sharok Sommanona’ that began yesterday and will continue till April 12. Based on the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s short story ‘Shapure’, the play has been adapted by Anan Zaman. Director Yousuf Hasan Arko uses the traditional narrative theatre technique to present the story of a snake-charmer.
The play, which is the 36th production of the troupe, narrates the story of a snake-charmer whose dilemma over the desires for physical love and spiritual attainment takes the centre stage. The probable cast of the play includes Poly Biswas, Tonu Ghosh, Litu Mondal, Monami Islam Kanak, Jerin Tasneem Esha, Sonia Islam and Nirjhor Odhikary, among others. Director Yousuf Hasan Arko also directed music for the play and has designed the set. Choreography by Zerin Tasneem Esha, Thandu Raihan has done the light design. However, a total number of 10 prominent theatre troupes from home and abroad are participating in this festival. Each day, two plays will be staged at 7:15pm at the National Theatre Hall and Experimental Theatre Hall of BSA simultaneously. In addition to plays, the festival includes cultural programmes every evening at the premises of the National Theatre Hall. To note, to mark the 93rd birth anniversary (April 11) of eminent educationist, Language Movement veteran and lifetime chairman of Padatik Natya Sangsad, Syed Badruddin Hossain, the festival is being arranged. The festival has been organised on a regular basis to mark his birthday since 2010.

Where: BSA, Segun Bagicha
When: 7:15pm, today