A six-day theatre festival arranged by Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC) begins today at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The festival, titled "Syed Badruddin Hossain Smriti Natyotshab O Smarak Shammanana *12”, will simultaneously be held at the National Theatre Hall and Experimental Theatre Hall of the academy.

TWelve troupes, including Anya Theatre from India, will stage their plays at the festival. Padatik has been arranging the festival since 2010 to celebrate the birthday of its former president and noted educationist, the late Syed Badruddin Hossain.

Veteran cultural personality Kamal Lohani is expected to inaugurate the festival as chief guest. Among others, theatre personality Ataur Rahman will be present as an honourable guest.

The participating local troupes include Padatik, Loko Natyadal, Aranyak, Nagarik Natyasampraday, Desh Natok, Nagarik Natyangan, Prangane Mor, Natyad Kendra, Bogra Theatre,

Shabdabali (Barisal) and Tiijak Natyadal (Chittagong).

They will stage plays — "Kaier Jatra", "Leelabati Akhyan", “Mayur Singhashan”, "Rokto Karobi", “Prakrito Purangana", “Pussy Cat and a Real Man", “Shesher Kobita", "Aroj Charitamrita”, "Kaibrata Bidroho”, “Phona" and "Madhumala".

Shabdabali’s "Phona" will have its 50th show during the festival.

Anya Theatre will hold two shows of an adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet”. Bivas Chakravorty has directed the play.

Everyday, prior to the staging of plays, cultural programmes will take place in front of the National Theatre Hall.

Apart from holding shows, the organisers will felicitate two theatre personalities with 'Syed Badruddin Hossain Smarak Shammanana' (memorial award) for their contributions.

Padatik honoured M. Hamid and Ferdausi Majumdar last year, and Mamunur Rashid and Shim til Yousuf in 2010, with the award.

The festival will end on April 9. Everyday shows will start at 7pm.