Cultural carnival marks the inauguration

Eminent Kalim Sharafi rendering a number at the programme

Followed by Sharafi's presentation, Kazi Arif recited the poem Prem of poet Shubho Das Gupta. And then, Tirjak, a local theatrical group, staged Madhumala by our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Madhumala is a fable in which Ghum-pori and Swapno-pori (nymphs of sleep and dream) take young prince Madan Kumar in his dream to Madhumala, the prettiest girl in the world. And they fall in love with each other.

The love story, however, does not end in happy notes. Madhumala has to sacrifice her life for love.

The play's poetic diction and Nazrul's use of mythical characters like Indra has added grandeur to Madhumala.

Ahmed Iqwbal Haidar has unfolded the fairytale through a Jarigaan. His presentation of the fable is colourful and interesting. He has used dance and theatrical games for his choreography. The best part of the play's choreography is the puppet show recreating the gestures of Madan-Madhu duo during their marriage in dream.

On the empty stage Ahmed Iqbal Haider has created a wonderland with painted cloths. By changing some stagecraft he has rendered different atmosphere to his set. But his light design has the lacking of visibility. Moreover, he could have used more colour effects to enrich his rich choreography. More colourful costumes are also expected in case of presenting a fairytale.

Shayela Sharmin and Tanima Tasmin's voice modulation and gesture in the roles of the two nymphs were impressive. Rest of the performers need to improve their skill.

By Ershad Kamol