The state honoured the late theatre personality SM Solaiman with the Ekushey Padak 13 years after his death in 2001 as recognition to his contribution in theatre. Solaiman’s widow Rokeya Rafiq Baby received the Ekushey Padak, the second highest civil award, from the prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the award giving ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Thursday.
A pioneering theatre activist in the independent Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammad Solaiman (September 29, 1953 – September 22, 2001) was a noted playwright, director, actor, music composer, singer and an organiser.
The trendsetter dramatist and director re-introduced ‘music’ as an important device in the neo-theatre movement, which generated its momentum following the independence of the country. His plays, 30 in number, have the potential to generate political consciousness among the middle class.
His political satires like Ingit, Ei Deshe Ei Beshe, Inspector General, Court Martial, Golapjan and others have received a warm response, which are still staged by different troupes.
SM Solaiman was the founder of many theatre groups such as Padatik, Dhaka Padatik, Theatre Art Unit and others. Elected twice as the secretary general of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Solaiman played a vital role in the cultural field.
He was also the founder member of Sammilto Sankskritik Jote.
Moreover, he formed a theatre troupe in the USA named Bangladesh Theatre of America, which staged shows at the Off-Broadway theatres.
Amina Shundori, written and directed by Solaiman, is the first Bangla play staged in the US, according to Solaiman’s widow Rokey Rafiq Baby.
Solaiman’s concern for the fellow theatre activists as well as his dedication to the art form made him a leader. He was the representative of youth in the country’s theatre arena.
Solaiman lives through his plays, says his widow, who is also the chief of Theatre Art Unit.
Young theatre activists of the country organise Solaimna Mela every year in September to celebrate Solaiman’s birth anniversary.
Theatre Art Unit introduced Solaiman Smrity Britti in 2005 and gives the award to a young theatre activist every year in memory of the late theatre personality.
-With New Age input
