& çâÌæÚUæð´ ·¤è ¥ôÚU Îð¹Ùæ ÁæÚUè ÚU¹ð´ ¥ÍæüÌ ¥ÂÙð ÜÿØ ÂÚU ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´Ð ãæÚU Ù ×æÙð´, €UØô´ç·¤ ·¤æ× ·¤ÚUÙð âð ¥æÂ·¤ô ©gðàØ ·¤è Âýæç# ãôÌè ãñ ¥õÚU ÁèßÙ ·¤æ ¹æÜèÂÙ ÎêÚU ãôÌæ ãñÐ ÖÜð ãè ÁèßÙ ×ð´ ç·¤ÌÙè Öè ·¤çÆÙæ§ü €UØô´ Ù ¥æ°, çÁ™ææâæ ¥õÚU ©ˆâæã ÕÙæ° ÚU¹ð´Ð ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´, ÜÿØ ã×ðàææ ¥æÂ·Ô¤ Âæâ ãôÌð ãñ´ çÁ‹ãð´ ÂæÙð ·Ô¤ çÜ° ÂýØæâ ¥æÂ ·¤Öè Öè àæéM¤ ·¤ÚU â·¤Ìð ãñ´Ð

SELIM AL DEEN FESTIVAL 12

'Seeking Roots' begins with two European adaptations

Jamil Mahmud
Throughout his life, Selim Al Deen (1949-2008) had a vision, which was to see the practice of theatre in Bangladesh get recognition -- both at home and abroad. When the 200-year-old [in terms of its practice in this sub-continentl European proscenium theatre was considered the stepping stone, Al Deen opposed it, explored our roots and wanted to prove that the history of our theatre is not just 200 years old, rather it was initiated a thousand years earlier or more.
The iconic playwright's thoughts have been transmitted into texts, most of which he wrote during his days with Dhaka Theatre.
At the inaugural of Selim Al Deen Festival 2012, Dhaka Theatre chief, Al Deen's friend and convener of the festival committee Nasiruddin Yousuff firmly announced the ambition of exploring roots through plays, an exclusive terracotta exhibition and a seminar on the recently found archaeological elements at Wari and Bateswar.
The sixth such festival since Al Deen's death, to celebrate his genius, commenced through staging of adaptations of two European classics — William Shakespeare's “The Tempest" and Sophocles' "Oedipus” — at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on August 25. The exhibition is being held at the lobby of the National Theatre Hall and the seminar will take place tomorrow.
Selim Al Deen Foundation and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) have jointly arranged the festival, while Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre are assisting them.
Former Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman formally announced the inaugural of the festival, while ITI Worldwide President Ramendu Majumdar; Director of the Film and Theatre Department of BSA, Sara Ara Mahmud; archaeologist and Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman were the special guests.
"Shekorer Shondhane” or “Seeking Roots” is the motto of the festival. Featuring Manipuri cultural elements and keeping the
storyline intact, "Tempest" was ideal for such venture. In the play, Al Deen's concept 'Daitadaitabadita' that says any medium of art form can be transformed into another, was apparent.
Directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff, "Tempest” was staged at the National Theatre Hall.
Earlier this year, the play participated at the Global Shakespeare Festival in London, UK. Now it has another target — to showcase the heritage and brilliance of Bangladeshi theatre.
Al Deen's student Rubayet Ahmed translated the play into Bangla and created an idiom that he saw as “combination of words” borrowing from Rabindranath Tagore and Selim Al Deen.
TWo Manipuri artistes Nil Moni Singha and Bidhan Chandra Singha, who themselves were part of the play, trained the Dhaka Theatre members to master the mudras (stances) of Manipuri dance.
Guest actor Rubol Noor Lodi (of Bogra Theatre) played the role of Prospero, while the troupe's most experienced actor Shimul Yousuf enacted the endearing spirit Ariel. One
of the youngest members of the troupe Esha Yousuf enacted the role of Miranda.
While "Tempest” incorporates local elements, Drishtipat's adaptation of "Oedipus" gives the Greek tragedy an oriental touch, as the adapted version, “Raja Himadri”, zooms in on the misfortune of a Himalayan king.
The troupe staged the play at the Experimental Theatre Hall. Khandakar Tazmi Noor, as a guest artiste, has adapted, directed the play and plays the protagonist. The storyline is more or less the same. King Himadri and his wife Himrani live happily together until a stranger arrives one day and discloses Himadri's dark secret. The secret opens a darker chapter in their lives and finally separates them.
Throughout the next five days, the audience will see a diverse range of plays, including a couple of Indian productions, featuring different forms and contents. There will be Al Deen's “Dhaboman" (by Dhaka Theatre) to highlight his ideas, and of course his presence in the subconscious to seek for our roots in each play.
The festival will continue till August 31.