Dhaka Drama Festival 2004
The darker side of the city
These are far from peaceful days in Dhaka. One just has to look at the widespread problems such as terrorism, crime, housing shortage, lack of employment, hijacking, traffic jam and unprincipled politicians. Though the daily papers are replete with the solutions advanced by the intellectuals and the commitments of the politicians, the current status quo is alarming. Drishtipat Natya Shangshod's production Nagor Alir Kissa cries for an end to these problems.
On July 12, at the Experimental Theatre Stage Drishtipat Natya Shangshod staged their popular play Nagor Alir Kissa as part of the Dhaka Drama Festival 2004 arranged by BGTF.
MA Salam's play starts with an imaginary scene where three souls of language martyrs of 1952 ask a living freedom fighter, 'What have you done after the Liberation War? Why hasn't there been a change in the current situation of the society?'
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The plot advances with two men, Nagor Ali and his maternal uncle, coming to Dhaka for a job. Through their experiences in the city, the playwright successfully depicts the darker side of Dhaka. Nagor Alir Kissa ends with a scene when Nagor dies in a clash between rival parties.
In the play, the playwright MA Salam has used the dialect of the slum dwellers and slang for his characters. The actors, thus, have a touch of realism.
MA Salam unfolded his play through a narrator. He has successfully handled the lifestyle of the slum dwellers. To avoid any controversy he has successfully visualised the political procession scenes, using only narration and mime. However, he could have avoided the obscene scenes on the stage.
MA Salam, as the set designer, has used a replicated slum at the backstage. The remaining part of the stage was empty.
Swapan Das's light design was simple but effective. His symbolic colour effect to visualise the dawn scene was enjoyable.
Kazi Anis's gesture, voice modulation and body movement as Nagor Ali was excellent. Swapan Das and MA Salam also performed well.
Khaled Khan: Diversified stage career
A regular member of Nagarik Natyasampradaya, Khaled Khan has been contributing his talent in theatre for more than two decades. Along with his diversified acting career in theatre, he has achieved recognition as a director. In the ongoing drama festival his group Nagarik will stage Kalshondhyay directed by him. Khaled said, 'It is not the construction of the play, but its philosophy the attracts me-- 'After the successful rise a person may fall because of his arrogance.' Usually it is said that Buddhadev's plays have got less dramatic quality. But Kalshondhyay is an exception.'
'The choreography in the play needs some physical effort. That is why I have cast all the young artistes for Kalshondhyay. I am also the music composer in the play,' Khaled added.
Asked for his comment on the Dhaka Drama Festival 2004, Khaled said, 'I appreciate any drama festival. But it is pathetic to see the small turnout of the audience. All the groups should stage their new productions or some special plays in the festival, which they do not stage regularly on the Mahila Shamity Stage. We do not see many new productions in the festivals. I think BGTF should arrange a festival, including only the new plays.'
Ershad Kamol