“Nupur Bejey Jaye” at Chhayanaut
Shadhona (Centre for Advancement of South Asian Culture) held the 9th instalment of their bi-monthly dance programme “Nupur Bejey Jaye” at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on July14. Artistes from the troupes — Kalpotoru and Dhriti — also performed at the event.
Under the title, “Banglar Nritya”, the show predominantly featured the time-honoured folk dances of the country. Choreographed by Amit Chowdhury, artistes of Dhriti kicked off the event with “Krishnakala”. A lathikhela (dancing with sticks) performance by students of Kalpotoru followed. Sabbir Ahmed Khan Biju choreographed the piece.
Choreographed by Amit Chowdhury, a Santali dance to the tune “Laal Paharer Desh-e Ja” was performed by Eti, Mohona and Himu of Shadhona. Tahmina Anwar Anika staged a dynamic dance to a Shah Abdul Karim song Maya Lagaichhey”. Another choreography by Amit, set to the Santali tune “Chandra Jagichhey”, was presented by students of Dhriti.
Shammi Aktar danced to a Bhawaiya number “O Mui Na Shono”. The dance was choreographed by Arpita Shome. Eti, Mohona and Himu, along with artistes of Kalpotoru, performed a wedding dance that was choreographed by Biju.
Featuring her own choreography, Arpita Shome brilliantly danced to the ever-popular folk song “Je Jon Premer Bhab Janey Na”. Youngest members of Kalpotoru performed a puppet-themed dance. Three veiled girls as puppets seemingly added a new dimension to the traditional art form popularised among urban children by artist Mustafa Monwar. The performance was choreographed by Biju.
The highlight of the event was a martial dance, called “Raibeshey”. It is believed that during the reign of Raja Protapaditya (of Jessor region), there were around 52000 ‘Raibeshey’ who performed this dance to boost the morale of soldiers. Aside from playing the Bangla dhol, dhuli (dhol player) Shafiq produced a series of bol during the performance. Amit, Bju and Arpita choreographed the much-appreciated piece.
Lubna Marium, general secretary of Shadhona, emceed the event.
-With The Daily Star input
