National dance drama fest inaugurated

Monday evening marked the second National Dance Festival at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Inaugurated by the Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, the festival will continue for eight days till November 22.

In a speech during the inaugural event, AMA Muhith said, “Dance is one of the most important aspects of our traditions. To preserve and highlight this aspect of our culture will enrich us all.”

The event included Akhtari Momtaz, Secretary of Cultural Affairs Ministry as special guest. Other guests in attendance were President of ITI Bangladesh Center Nasiruddin Yousuff and renowned dance guru Rahiza Khanam Jhunu who in a speech said, “A higher budget means we are able to deliver better quality performances. Many times it is the lack of budget that prevents us from fulfilling our visions.”

Nasiruddin Yousuff also elaborated on this point stating, “We require more government sponsorship in order to uphold this crucial aspect of our culture better.”

General Secretary of Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association (BDAA) Mahfuzur Rahman delivered the welcome speech, followed by noted classical dance artiste Minu Haque, President of BDAA. Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the occasion, and said, “It is through Rabindranath Tagore that our dance traditions have expanded over the years.”

The event concluded with a dance performance titled, “Nokshikanthar Maath,” a production of Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts which has been choreographed by Farhana Chowdhury Baby. The production saw Sadiya Islam Mou playing the role of Shazu, and Abdur Rashid as Rupai.

The festival is showcasing 15 dance productions, with “Nokshikanthar Maath” on the opening day. The following day brought onstage two productions titled “Baramkhana” and “Shyama”. Today “Kal Mrigaya” will be performed, followed by “Kobor”. Other productions -- “Mohajoner Nao,” “Shapmochon,” “Ichhamotir Baanke,” “Bhanu Shingher Padabali,” “Shonai Madhob,” “Amar Swadesh Amar Bhalobasha,” “Chitrangada,” “Mahua,” “Proshongo 47,” and “Rokto Laal Ahankaar” -- on the remaining days of the festival.

Guests on the concluding day of the festival include Nasiruddin Yousuff, dance performer Laila Hasan and President of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus. The event has been organised by BDAA in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.