2010 was a remarkable year for theatre. Several new productions by theatre troupes, along with popular plays from the previous years, were regularly staged throughout the year. Most of the new plays enjoyed success and earned positive response from the critics. In the later part of the year, productions such as “Banglar Mati Banglar Joi" (Palakar) and “Baramkhana” (Theatre) premiered and were received well by the audience. The plays presented Rabindranath Tagore and Fakir Lalon Shai as central characters. “Mohajoner Nao"
by Subachan Natya Shangshad on the life of Baul Shah Abdul Karim was another talked about play last year.
Apart from these, Natya Kendra1 s “Dalimkumar”, Shomoy Sangskritik Gosthi's “Shesh Sanglaap”, Theatre's (Arambagh) "Jonmoshutro”, Desh Natok's “Prakrito Purangana", Nagarik Natyangan's “Pussycat O Ekjon Prokrito Manush", Aranyak Natyadal's “Iti Jocasta” and “To Be Or Not To Be", Padatik Natya Sangsad's “Jalomanko”, Nagarik Natyasampraday's “Ghashiram Kotwal”, Theatre Art Unit's “Mogoj Shamachar” and Theatrewala repertory production “Shylock and Sycophants" were notable new productions in 2010.
Along with seasoned activists, several young members from different troupes came under the limelight last year and showcased their talents in direction, acting, play writing, music direction, set and light designing.
The Daily Star talked to some noted and up and coming theatre activists, who shared memorable moments of 2010, and provided glimpses of what to expect in 2011.
Ataur Rahman [NagarikNatyasampraday)
Veteran theatre personality Ataur Rahman directed the play “Banglar Mati Banglar Joi", which highlights Rabindranath Tagore as the protagonist. Palakar, a troupe that according to Rahman comprises of young and energetic members, produced the play. Rahman's other accomplishments in 2010 included his directorial work “Opekkhoman" (Nagarik production) staged as part of the competition segment at the 22nd International Festival for Experimental Theatre in Cairo, Egypt. Syed Shamsul Haq wrote both plays. Another feather in Rahman's hat (also the president of ITI Bangladesh centre) was successfully arranging the ITI Theatre Festival.
This year, Rahman plans to resurrect his acclaimed play “Rakto Karobi" with NailaTarannum Kakoli [replacing Aupi Karim) as Nandini. He wants to see the 100th show of the play | so far it has had 91 shows) this year. Moreover, Rahman plans to direct Sachin Sengupta's history-based play “Siraj-ud-Daula” and Samuel Beckett's “Waiting for Godot" this year. The latter would have an all-female cast. He is also writing a book (assigned by Bangla Academy] on Tagore's thoughts on theatre.
Traupa Majumdar [Theatre]
Traupa Majumdar’s directorial work “Baramkhana” (for her troupe] was one of the much-acclaimed plays of 2010. Pantho Shahriar wrote the play, based on Sunil Gangopadhyay's fictional work “Moner Manush” that features the life and works of Lalon. In the play, Traupa showcases the contemporary milieu at Lalon's akhra in Chheuria, Kushtia. TYaupa termed her directorial experi- ences as challenging, as she had to transform an extensive work into a two-hour play. She also performed the role of Sutradhar in the play. Throughout the year, TYaupa also featured in one of Theatre's acclaimed and old plays “Meraj Fakirer Ma”, as an actor.
This year, Traupa wants to give more efforts, collectively with others, to her troupe. TYaupa also sees 2010 as a good year for theatre, as many quality productions made their debuts.
Shahadat Hossain [Centre for Asian Theatre]
The Centre for Asian Theatre (CAT) lead actor enjoyed success in 2010. He, along with Udichi’s Anowarul Haque, received SM Solaiman Motivation Award last year as recognition of their talents. Hossain was featured in CAT's major productions “The Communicator” and “Bhelua Shudori” that were regularly staged throughout 2010. Hossain played protagonists in both plays. Although “Communicator” was
staged regularly in Dhaka, “Bhelua Shudori” travelled across the country as well at overseas festivals.
Hossain said that, besides acting, he would direct two plays this year; one is based on the life of the Greek philosopher Socrates and the other is a traditional folk drama. Oboyob Natyadal and Shattik Natyasampraday will produce the plays respectively.
Reetu A Sattar [ Prachyanat]
Reetu started last year through performing in the repertory production “Bisharjan". Naila Azad Nupur was the director of the Tagore play. Theatrewala repertory production "Shylock and Sycophants” was another play, where the Prachyanat actress was featured as a lead character. Reetu said that performing in “Shylock and Sycophants” was a unique experience. The play is directed by Azad Abul Kalam. Reetu was also busy with her troupe's productions “Punarjanmo", "Circus Circus" and “Koinna" throughout last
The year 2011 would be more productive, hopes Reetu. She plans to direct a Prachyanat School production this year. She also wants to showcase her skills as a costume designer and wants to work as an assistant director for her troupe.
Deepak Suman [Aranyak Natyadal]
This young actor-director had a very busy year in 2010. Last year he had been regularly featured in Aranyak productions. He had his directorial debut through Aranyak's experimental work “Iti Jocasta” in 2010. Suman also wrote the play, based on the Greek epic “Oedipus”. Amongst Aranyak's ongoing productions staged last year, Suman featured in “Ebong Bidyasagar” and "Raraang”. Suman is a regular cast-member of “Raraang" and had performed in all of the 99 shows. He also performed in “Shylock and Sycophants". In 2011, the young theatre activist promises to work more, with passion and enthusiasm. He plans to write and direct a folk adaptation of Tarashankar Bandopadhyay's “Kobi”. Moreover, he will feature in Aranyak's upcoming play "Rother Roshi” that would be directed by seasoned directoractor Mamunur Rashid.