Bridging the cultural divide

A view of the programme: conserving children's right.photo: faizul a tanim

SHP is a unique, two part cultural exchange between Bangladeshi and Cuban children (aged between 6 to 14) that encourages positive practices to nurture the children's potential from diverse cultural backgrounds. The media is fusion theatre. SHP recently arranged a benefit dinner for raising funds for the Bangladeshi children who will participate in the 8th World Children Amateur Theatre Festival 2004 to be held in Cuba from July 19 to 25 with the theme of 'the performing arts across cultural boundaries'. 'Children are the hope of the world', said the Cuban national hero, José Marti. Therefore the symbolic word of the festival is 'Hope'.

The programme started with the Manipuri Dance. The dancers, all clad in traditional Manipuri attire, performed well. Next was a cultural programme by the People's Theatre Association, where little children in colourful dresses sang and danced. The Bangladeshi, British, Zimbabwean and Russian dances, based on their respective popular songs, were splendid. Especially creditable was the song We shall overcome, as the children held placards that visualised 'We build the future'. A documentary titled Listen to us was also played on the occasion. The frolic continued when Alejandro Escalona Aguero, the project director of SHP, led the procession of Bauls in the hall. Some 200 guests, mostly expatriates, were spellbound by the performance. Famous model and designer Bibi Russell co-ordinated the cultural programme.

The raffle draw, conducted for fundraising, attracted the guests. The prizes were an overseas tour and T-shirts with the signature of Brazilian football stars Robarto Carlos and Ronaldinho.

Palma Group and Spectra Catering sponsored the programme at Spectra Convention Centre. Internationally acclaimed chef Tommy Miah, who had flown to Dhaka, courtesy of Qatar Airways, cooked special dishes for the guests.