The two-day long celebrations of 24th founding anniversary of noted theatre troupe Natyakendra at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy entertained audiences with theatre shows on Friday and Saturday.
Though the hangover of Eid-ul-Azha was still visible, theatre goers thronged the National Theatre Hall of Shilpakala to enjoy Natyakendra’s celebration on both days. Natyakendra did not organise what can be called a pompous festival; rather, it seemed, the troupe reminded audience of the troupe’s long and eventful journey with the celebration programme. On the opening day, there was no ostentatious list of chief and special guests to inaugurate the celebration. Natyakendra members, well-wishers and some other theatre activists were present to recall their memories with the troupe.
Tariq Anam Khan, founder of Natyakendra; Jhuna Chowdhury, theatre activist and a member of the troupe; Rokeya Rafique Baby of Theatre Art Unit, Gazi Rakayat of Charuniram, Shahiduzzaman Selim of Dhaka Theatre and members of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation were present at the opening.
‘Next year, we hope to celebrate the silver jubilee of our troupe in a grander fashion’, said Tariq Anam Khan thanking all for attending the programme.
The main attraction of the celebration, for theatre goers, was staging of Natyakendra’s recent and acclaimed production Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor on two consecutive evenings.
The play, an adaptation of Servant of Two Masters by Italian playwright Carlo Goldini, is, not to exaggerate, one of the best comedies regularly staged at Shilpakala. The credit for this success goes to both Tariq Anam Khan for his ingenuous adaptation and direction, and to the actors for their remarkable performances.
In others’ hands, the play might have become a failure as the plot and the story of the play is not strong enough on its own. But in Tariq Anam Khan’s hands, the play has become a laugh-riot that brings out wholehearted laughter even from the most sober souls.
Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor portrays a number of entangled and comic stories that revolve around a servant who serves two masters, a lover’s attempt to win over the hands of his beloved, a father’s oscillation between greed and responsibility and such others.
What makes the play interesting and a sort of classic comedy are well-balanced gestures by the performers, acrobatics and movements on stage. Moreover, the director’s fruitful use of one liners, which satirises the contemporary society and politics, was another benchmark of the production.
For example, in-between dialogues, a quick reference to the inability of political parties to hold conversations, or another one liner like ‘Don’t be a Latif Siddiqui’, and many such made the play seem contemporary and relevant.
To come back to Natyakendra’s achievements, the troupe has produced 12 acclaimed productions, including Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor, in 24 years. Commencing with high quality play Bichchu, the troupe’s production list includes Crucible, Aroj Charitamrita, Dalim Kumar, Mrito Manusher Chhaya, Projapoti, Hoybodon, Jera, Protisoron, Sukh and Tughlak.
-With New Age input
