Dhaka Padatik celebrates silver jubilee

Shamsur Rahman (C) flanked by theatre personalities lights the lamp at the inaugural ceremony

This was followed by dance and speeches. Kabirul Islam Ratan and his troupe presented a dance piece with the folk song Dekhore Dekho.

Renowned theatre activists Ramendu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid and Nasiruddin Yousuff were the main speakers at the opening programme, titled Dhaka Padatik Stamford Natyautshab 2005. It was presided over by Manirul Islam Belal, the current president of Dhaka Padatik. Theatre personalities highlighted the contribution of Dhaka Padatik to Bangladesh's neo-theatre movement. Moreover, they called for the staging of more quality productions by the theatre troupes to enrich our theatre and be a powerful weapon against all odds.

Golam Kuddus, Nader Chowdhury, Professor Dr Jamaluddin Ahmed, and Mizanur Rahman were the other discussants.

The convenor of the festival, also the General Secretary of Shammolito Shanskrtik Jote (SSJ) and founder General Secretary of Dhaka Padatik, Golam Kuddus said, " Today we celebrate our silver jubilee through a drama festival, bringing together the best theatre troupes of the country. Moreover, Pratikrity, a troupe from Kolkata, will stage a play in the festival. On this day we remember our founder president and theatre personality SM Solaiman and others who have made a huge contribution to the troupe.

"In our 25 year-journey, we have so far produced 21 stage plays. Of these, many plays have earned great popularity. We have also produced eight street plays. This year we are planning to produce three more stage plays," added Kuddus.

After, the opening ceremony Dhaka Padatik staged their popular production-- Ingit, written and directed by the late SM Solaiman.