To pay tribute to noted playwright, actor and director Syed Mohidul Islam on his 14th death anniversary and on the occasion of celebrating the 40th founding anniversary of Batikrom Natya Goshthi, a two-day festival titled ‘Syed Mohidul Islam Smaran Utsab 2016’ (Syed Mohidul Islam Memorial Festival) was organised at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. Besides, ‘Syed Mohidul Islam Padak’ was also conferred as a part of the event. This year, renowned thespian Ferdousi Majumdar was honoured with the prestigious award.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor inaugurated the two-day ‘Syed Mohidul Islam Smaran Utsab’ as chief guest and handed over the crest to Ferdousi Majumdar on December 22. Noted theatre personalities Ataur Rahman, Liaquat Ali Lucky, Jhuna Chowdhury, Golam Kuddus and Akhtaruzzaman were prrsent at the award ceremony as special guests. The troupe also honoured five couples, who are also the stage performers.
After the inauguration, popular theatre troupe PranganeMor staged its new Tagore play titled ‘Ami O Rabindranath’. Based on the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore, the play has been scripted and directed by Nuna Afroz. Besides, Nuna Afroz has designed the stage. She said, “The play ‘Ami O Rabindranath’ depicts Tagore’s life and works through an eye of his devoted reader.” The cast of the play includes Ananta Hira, Ramiz Raju, Awal Reza, Saroar Saikat, Touhid Biplob and Nuna Afroz, among others. Musical arrangement has been done by Ramiz Raju, while Touhid Rabin did the lighting design.
Yesterday, on the second day, host troupe Batikrom Natya Goshthi staged their new play titled ‘Durasha’ at the same venue. Based on the story of Rabindranath Tagore, Saiful Islam has dramatised and directed the play ‘Durasha’. The festival also featured discussion and distribution of ‘Mancha Bandhu Award’.