Another laurel for Aly Zaker

Aly Zaker: A stellar role in theatre

After a break caused by illness, eminent theatre personality of the country, Aly Zaker, is back to his cultural groove. A few months ago he remade a popular Nagorik production Kopiniker Captain. Now, he is busy with the adaptation of playwright Hanif Kureshi's stage-play The Borderline for his group.

Talking about the problems faced in the course of the re-staging process of Kopiniker Captain, Zaker who is the President of Nagorik Natyasamradaya, says, 'Most of the performers of the current production of Kopiniker Captain are young and are doing very well. In few cases they are doing better than the performers of the earlier production of the same play. That is why I have not faced many problems.

'In fact, new theatre activists have potential and their approach is very positive. Those who are continuing in theatre, after a certain period are proving their talents because they are being trained by experts. This was tough to get in earlier days,' he adds.

On the subject of when he plans to stage the adapted version of The Borderline, Zaker says, 'Hopefully within three months through a festival. I am talking with Ataur Rahman, the general secretary of Nagorik to arrange a festival including only Nagorik productions.

'We have three current productions already. I am planning to re-start our popular play Dewan Gazir Kissa where I will perform. I am also editing Shamsul Haq's Shesh Joddha. Moreover, senior members of our group are also working for some new productions. That is why arranging a drama festival is not a problem for Nagorik.'

Aly Zaker has a stellar role in the country's drama history. He was the director of the play Baki Itihash by Badal Sarkar. This was a landmark as it was the first play in Bangladesh where the audience bought tickets to watch the show. Says a nostalgic Zaker, ' I still remember those moments. That was a launch into an abysmal voyage. Our youth was our only asset. Though there were technical glitches, our disciplined performance on the stage received a favourable response from the audience. I still remember this vividly, though the play was held way back on February 3, 1973, at the British Council auditorium. The following day, the print media claimed it as 'a revolution'. We also introduced Mahila Samity Stage in stage drama.'

However, Baki Itihash is not his first stage play. He first acted in Muneir Chowdhury's Kabar directed by Mamunur Rashid, which is an Aranyak Natya Dal production. He first appeared on the stage for any Nagorik production is Michael Modhushudan Datt's Buro Shaliker Ghare Ro, directed by Ataur Rahman.

In his long acting career he has portrayed diverse characters. His favourite role is that of Gallelio. Says Zaker, 'I empathise with this character. I have seen a few people in the audience cry in the pin drop silence during the delivery of a few philosophical dialogues of the character.'

Along with acting and directing stage plays, Zaker has adapted many popular plays of Shakespeare, Chekhov, Moliere, Brecht, Zuckmayer, Ionesco and a few others. Explaining the creative process, Zaker says, 'A drama has two beginnings-- once during writing, another during production. That is why the translator or the adapter of the foreign plays must be acquainted with the stage. Otherwise, their works will only serve academic purposes.'

Shakespeare, Ibsen, Brecht, Beckett, Syed Shamsul Haq, Selim Al Deen and Mamunur Rashid are his favourite playwrights.

Can professionalism be introduced in Bangladeshi theatre? Zaker says, 'Never. Government patronage is a must for professionalism in any country. Even the theatrical groups of the developed countries like UK and Germany get government support.'

Zaker, also a popular TV actor, however, appears infrequently on television. As he says, ' The introduction of package drama is a positive development. However, because of the commercial approach of the channels and sponsors very few quality TV plays are produced. That is why I am very selective in my roles.'

What is the solution to the crisis? He says, 'Private channels should take the initiative to launch at least two quality plays a week without any business interest.'

Zaker's cultural activities have won acclaim. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1999 for his contribution to theatre. Moreover, he has received many prestigious awards like National Academy of Performing Arts in 1977, Critic Circle of India Award in 1984, Sequence Award of Merit as outstanding Theatre Personality in 1984 and others.