Theatre Troupe Loko Natyadal (Banani) celebrated its 28th anniversary with staging two of its popular productions. "Kanjush” and 'Shonai Madhab." "Kanjush" was staged at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium on July 5; "Shbn^i .Madha^-^hicft' touched the landmark of' 100th show, was staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on July 6.

Loko Natyadal was founded on July 6 in 1981. Over the decades, the troupe has produced 23 plays, having more than 1200 shows. Its most successful play "Kanjush" - an adaptation of Moliere's "The Miser" - is the st production in Bangla-'aesh to have more than 500 shows. The troupe has performed overseas several times and received acclaims. Loko Natyadal has demonstrated its social commitment by holding charity

arogrammes to help the poor, Tood/cyclone victims, and ailing theatre activists. At present, three different frac-aons of Loko Natyadal (using he same name) are active. The July 5,6 events were organised by the Banani

fraction of Loko Natyadal. The troupe is an associate of People’sTheatre Association.

Adapted by noted actordirector Tarik Anam Khan, "Kanjush" is directed by Kamrun Nur Chowdhury. A comedy of morals, the play

narrates the story of a gluttonous miser, Haider Ali who trusts no one when it comes to money. Tarik Anam Khan has set the story in Old Dhaka, using the typical dialect of the residents of that area. The humorous exchange of dialogues adds new dimensions to the Mplifye, classic,,, vyh|ich addresses hypocrisy,, greed, dishonesty and opportunistic tendencies of the elites.

Shonai Madhab" is a padabali jatra' based on a popular story from Mymensingh Geetika."

Eugene Gomez has directed "Shonai Madhab," while Mostofa Anwar Swopon has done the music.

Aslam Shihir, Kamrun Nur Chowdhury, Shamshad Begum, Mostofa Anwar Swopon, Zahidur Rahman, Zahid Chowdhury, Abdullah Al Harun and Monika Biswas performed in the two plays.

The troupe is currently working on its next production "Geet Gobindo."