AT the seminar held last evening at the Mahila Samity on the role of stage performers and their future, the main speakers were Mamunur Rashid and Ramendu Mujumdar. Dr. Nilima Ibrahim presided over the function. A packed audience listened to the speakers to the last bit of question and answering session.
Mamunur Rashid, speaking at the function, said.” Since the beginning of the theatre in the 70s there has been excitement
about stage theatre in Bangladesh. This satisfied our dreams of theatrical performances along with other passionate desires connected with the cultural, economic and political life of the country. What was unthinkable became a nine month’s miracle . Similarly, we can dream of having professional satisfaction in the theatre world too”
Mamunur Rashid continued to say," This professionalism has spread outside Dhaka . However, it is difficult to keep alive this passion after the nine-to-five jobs that take up time, energy and concentration as it is not possible to make a living by the theatre alone in Bangladesh. Since only a lim-
ited amount of time and energy can be devoted to the theatre by the actors and others associated with stage plays, they should be judged in that context. Those who lust after money alone can never go into this profession.Of course . the box-office's importance cannot be ignored, at the same time. Just as actors delight in performing before a large crowd so the audience too revels in being in a big group.”
He added.” In the west, as in England, there are adequate rewards for most talented and dedicated actors so why cannot such a situation be created here? If the government cannot help then surely the big magnates could help out. Even in our neighbouring country, India. the situation for stage performers is so much better. Since people are pouring money over TV and films, why cannot the same be. done for the stage ? “Package Natok' is the only way out for most of our actors. Today there are 50 to 60 satellite channels so why should the average viewer stir himself and go to the theatre, when he has so much to view sitting at home, in the comfort of a roomy sofa and fresh breeze and even sips of lemonade or tea along with snacks all available at a negligible price.The Shilpakala Academy has not bailed us out
and those with degrees in acting go into professions like banking, having no other choice.The theatre economics is shaky in Bangladesh . It is essential that the economic side of the cultural productions have to be seen to in Bangladesh.”
In answering some questions about why the electronic media is cutting-down the production of stage plays while they survive in places such as In the west, and dealing with the situation of the diminishing audience. Mamunur Rashid added frankly and in detail.’ In places like the Mahila Samity, the ticket costs Tk 50 but the chairs are uncomfortable. The lights have no lenses so that there is the resulting headache and weariness of the eyes. Even if there is a good play you cannot enjoy it because of the unpleasant atmosphere. The situation is different in the auditorium at the DU. The case of the Guide House is even worse where the sound is lost due to the whirling fans and there is no sense of satisfaction for the viewer. Again there is the stench emanating from the nearby open toilets. What follows as a consequence cannot be truly enjoyed .Moreover the stilling heat is also overwhelming.
“ As for the actors, they be-
long to the middle-class and must struggle to eke out a-living. For many of us . we began in the 70s and theatre work is routine. However, if there is no payment even an army cannot progress with its basic existence with its food and shelter. Even if some of them fool around 25% of the time, the rest of the time they must be dedicated and serious about their work.
“ We are not out to please the audience alone, even though we lack the financial backing, which is found even in our neighbouring West Bengal. The encouragement has to come both from the viewers and people behind the actors. With 'hartals' . incessant cricket on the telly and the easy guiles of the song-and-dance attractions as well as the discussions from BBC . apart from the menace of cable operators showing blue films, it is natural that the theatre audience will thin down. Yes. we have overcome the waves of destruction before, and hopefully . within 5 to li years, the impact of the satellite will be something blase. Meanwhile, we actors, must persist in a professional altitude in all our performances.”
Also speaking at the occasion was Ramendu Majumdar, who added. "Professions and economic backing go hand in
hand Overseas. In England 60% of the drama students who have qualified irom academies are sure of jobs on seasons. During the Soviet regime East Germany and USSR supported even the old and fumbling actors. Today in places like Germany, however, only the ticket sales really help out.
“In East Pakistan days actors were looked down upon but now the thespians are regularly admired as in the case of the members of Group Theatre'. Individuals like Dr.Nilima Ibrahim wrote and encouraged their daughters to perform on the stage. As for actors, we have no take-home-pay and must be satisfied if the make-up. lighting. and the hall rent is paid for. It is up to the government to provide satisfactory theatres. The Shilpkala Academy is there only for musical and dance performances.The Prime Minister. Sheikh Hasina spoke of having given Tk 65 lakhs for stage performances but we see no trace of that. It is not enough to give mingy donations of Tk 10.000 at a time.
" All said and done, the Jive theatre provides the pleasure that films and TV can never replace as it Is a social event in which there is direct interaction between the performers and the audience."