Under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, a 12 -member group was selected to participate in the ‘3rd International Music Festival, Asia Pacific Region, 2012’ in Krasnoyarsk in Russia. The festival was held from June 28 to July 4. Shyam Sundar Sikder, former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, led the team with Samina Hossain Prema as the dance director.
After the long journey, the performers were heartened by the warm reception from the organisers at Krasnoyarsk. “We may have started the journey with some uncertainty, but by the time we reached, we were ready to explore and experience the culture and arts of different countries of the world,” said an elated Prema.
Some of their performances focused on portraying the riverine nature of Bangladesh through the nuanced use of oars. Dhol, khanjani and ektara represented the baul mystics. Moves of lathikhela and Bratachari dance enthralled the audience. Festive rhythms of Dhakaite dhol were the highlights of the event. They had the opportunity to perform on Krasnoyarsk’s famous stages of ‘Philharmonic’ and ‘Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre’.
“After our performance, we enjoyed the exotic costumes and musical instruments representing different countries,” added Prema, “One of the most memorable moments of our journey was the parade on The City Day of Krasnoyarsk, where we joined in with the national flag of Bangladesh along with the representatives of 19 other countries.”
In the coal-mining town of Borodino, the participation with Russian dancers in a performance of Polki was quite an amazing experience for the Bangladeshi dancers.
If it wasn’t for the wonderful translators and the enthusiasm of the Bangladeshi artistes, the language barrier would have been a real impediment to communication, informed the dancers.
The words “bravo Bangladesh” were repeatedly heard during the dances.
The dancers were Nasirul Islam, Tahnun Ahmedy, Md Hanif, Md Mahbub Hosssain, Md Noorul Hoque Abir, Zuairiyah Mouli and Sirajum Munira Shachi. The role of lathials were played by Md Shakhowat and Md Shahjahan. Renowned dhuli (drummer) Md Shafiq Mian accompanied them on the tour.
-With The Daily Star input
