Grooming young talents

A scene from the play Ali Baba

Presided over by the Principal of the School, Professor Kabir Chowdhury, Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo was the chief guest of the anniversary celebration.

Host of the programme, theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar, Secretary of the steering committee of the Theatre School, in his welcome speech outlined the contribution of the school to theatre. Ramendu said, "In future we are planning to establish a studio theatre and a theatre archive." Ramendu also sought theatre reviews in the national dailies for the development of theatre -- initiated only by The Daily Star.

Abdullah Al Mamun, the Vice-principal of Theatre School, said, "Theatre School has been doing an outstanding job for the development of theatre practice in Bangladesh."

In his speech, chief guest Matiur Rahman said, "It is quite remarkable that in this era of satellite culture, theatre practice is still running uniquely. The print media should focus more on theatre."

Professor Kabir Chowdhury said, "Cultural activities can play a vital role in the development of a state."

Of the 35 participants of this years' certificate course, 24 emerged successfully.

After the discussion programme, students performed in the play titled Ali Baba. Biplab Bala adapted and directed the play.

Biplab's adaptation is not the mere fairytale of Ali Baba and 40 thieves. He has presented the play with contemporary overtones. In Biplab's adapted version of Ali Baba, the robbers are the current day superpowers who are attacking the independent states in the name of peace, democracy, violation of human rights and other issues. In the play, the robbers plunder resources from Iraq, Afghanistan and other middle-eastern countries. Marjina, slave to Ali Baba, kills those robbers.

As the director Biplab has presented the play like a pala, an indigenous performing art form. Some of his choreography deserves plaudits.

The set designer has used thrust--the ramp used in front of the proscenium stage-- and some stools to recreate the set. At the corner of the stage, he has created an image of a cave with thermacol.

Thandu Raihan's light design is simple but effective.

Some of the young artistes were impressive. Gaurango Biswas as the chieftain performed with elan. Srimoti Sengupta and Tahmina Ferdaus were impressive on the stage.