Twelve jatra troupes are scheduled to present a jatrapala each at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The three-day programme began on Thursday, and will end today.
The programme has been arranged by BSA under Jatrashilpka Unnayan Neetimala 2012. The performances of the troupes will be evaluated by a panel of judges elected by BSA in order to grant them registration.
Four troupes will present palas today which will begin at 3pm. Today’s palas and troupes are- Rakhal Bondhu to be staged by Barishal-based troupe Royal Bengal Jatra Unit, Dasyu Rani Phulon Devi to be presented by Gazipur-based Jamuna Natya Sangstha, Bede Konya by Gazipur-based Dishari Opera and Jibon Nodir Tirey by Kishoreganj-based Johnny Opera.
On Friday Jagoroni Opera from Satkhira, Chaituli Opera from Magura, Kishorganj-based Champa Opera and Gazipur-based Lima Jatra Unit performed at the same venue.
On the opening day, Manikganj-based troupe Doyel Opera presented Bahram Badsha, Madaripur-based Diamond Jatra Unit presented Mayer Chokhe Jol, Khulna-based Protima Opera presented Manobi Devi and Narayanganj-based Shitalokkhya Jatra Unit presented Gunai Bibi.
The plots and presentation of most of the jatrapalas were traditional. Shitalokkhya Jatra Unit’s Gunai Bibi depicted a virtuous wife, whose husband is contrived to serve in jail by others, but eventually she is able to free him after overcoming barriers on the way. Protima Opera’s Manobi Devi revolved around a similar plot.
A noticeable number of audiences enjoyed the presentations, particularly the dance recitals.
The members of the troupes performed with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm to win over the hearts of the spectators and the judges.
‘All of us are in a festive mood but a little tensed at the same time as we are performing before the judges to get our troupe registered’, said Abdur Razzak who directed Gunai Bibi.
Earlier in January and March this year, 16 troupes had performed out of which 13 troupes had been granted registration by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
-With New Age input
