Sayeed Ahmad's “Shesh Nabab” staged at BSA

Sayeed Ahmad Foundation for Culture and Arts (SAFCA), in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), held a programme at the National Theatre Hall of BSA in remembrance of the playwright and the art critic.

The event began with a brief discussion on the life and works of Sayeed Ahmad, and was followed by the staging of his play "Shesh Nawab".

Noted theatre personality Mamunur Rashid, human rights activist Advocate Sultana Kamal, celebrated artist Mostafa Manwar, and theatre personality Ataur Rahman attended the event as special guests.

They walked down the memory lane to say a few words on the playwright, and discussed his works before the show.

Written by Sayeed Ahmad and directed by Gazi Rakayet, "Shesh Nabab" was staged by Charuneedam Theatre. The play encircles the story of Nabab Sirajuddaula. 

Salman David portrayed Sirajuddaula in the play, while Mir Zafar, Ghosheti Begum, Jagatsheth, and Rajballav were played by Shahidul Karim, Chameli Sinha, Masudur Rahman and Alamgir Hossain respectively. Al Mohtasim, Shahed Mehedi, Mahmudul Haque, Likhon Rahi, Rohan Khan, Omar Faruque and others were also in the cast.

Sayeed Ahmad, a pioneering playwright in Bangladesh, introduced 'Theatre of the Absurd' to the country's theatre scene. In recognition to his outstanding contribution, he received the Bangla Academy Award in 1974 and 'Officier des arts des' lettres' award from the French Government in 1993. He was awarded with the Ekushey Padak posthumously on February 21, 2010.