15-day theatre festival begins in Sylhet

Honouring the Language Movement of 1952, a 15-day theatre festival opened at Kabi Nazrul Auditorium in Sylhet on February 24.

With the slogan 'Bangladesh in a golden path, spreading light in the world', the festival is organised by Sammilita Natya Parishad Sylhet in association with Sylhet City Corporation.

Tariq Anam Khan, eminent stage and screen actor, director, writer and producer, inaugurated the festival while noted theatre personality Foyez Jahir and others were present on stage.

The Parishad honoured theatre personality Manabendra Goswami for his contribution to theatre movements, SCC Chief Health Officer Dr Jahidul Islam for effective vaccination campaign and 'Koler Gari' for extending humanitarian help during nationwide shutdown due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Fourteen theatre troupes of Sylhet and one from UK are scheduled to stage play one every evening.

The festival's first play "Che'r Cycle" was staged by Kothakoli Sylhet on Friday evening and Mrittikae Mohakal staged "Mohakaler Pala" on Saturday.

In the festival, "Bhaibe Radha Raman" by Little Theatre Sylhet, "Panibala" by Theatre Murari Chand, "Aber Pankha Loiya" by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthy Sylhet, "Sasti" by Natyalok Sylhet Surma, "Tokkhok" by Theatre Bangla, "Birangonar Boyan" by Nabasikha Natyadal, "Biplober Gaan" by Darpan Theatre, "Ami-e Nazrul" by Theatre Sylhet, "Rangomala" by Natyamancha Sylhet, "Jobor Ajob Bhalobasha" by Natyayan Sylhet, and "Pejgi" by Diganta Theatre, will be staged.

The festival will conclude on March 10 with the play "Noor Hossain and Lockdown" by Bilat Bangla Vision, a Bengali theatre troupe from UK.