FOUR dance recitals and the dance-drama Kabor were staged on the second day (June 4) of the ongoing three-day 'Jasimuddin Festival' at the National Theatre Stage. The Department of Production of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged the festival.

Choreographed by Kabirul Islam Ratan, dance troupe Nrityalok Sanskritik Kendra presented three recitals based on Palli-kobi Jsimuddin's evergreen verses. Young dancers of the troupe presented the first composition based on Tumi jabey bhai, jabe mor shathey amader chhoto ganye, rendered by Kiron Chandra Roy. The troupe also staged two recitals based on Amaye bhashaili re amaye dubaili re and Allah megh de pani de.

Young artistes -- Labonya and Robin -- of dance troupe Shupto Bikash, presented a composition based on Rakhal chhele rakhal chhele barek phirey chao by Jasimuddin. Shafiqur Rahman is the choreographer of the piece.

The major attraction of the evening was the dance-drama Kabor based on Jasimuddin's poignant elegy with the same title. Through the 'dramatic monologue' of a grandfather -- looking over his wife's grave -- the tragic experiences of losing near and dear ones are narrated to a grandson. But, the sole intention is not to narrate the stories of 'death'. The elderly character also narrates his passion for the loved ones. And these cherished memories as well as his feelings at the parting of the family members have been presented in flash back scenes.

Director Deepa Khondokar's efforts deserve plaudits, specifically the presentation of rural Bangladesh. The “village fair” scene is vibrant.

Set designer Kiriti Ranjan Biswas and noted Indian light designer Tapash Sen creates a realistic ambience. Music for the dance-drama has been composed by Shujeo Shyam. Actor-director-recitor Mujibur Rahman Dilu has done the recitation.

Before the show, Mujibur Rahman, also the cocoordinator of the production Kabor, spoke at the programme. The dance-drama is a Tonatuni production.