A much needed boost for young ones

One of the participating theatre troupes

Secretary General of People's Theatre Association, Liaquat Ali Lucky said, "This is the biggest theatre festival in the country. It is the outcome of a 17-year endeavour of People's Theatre Association, which has been active in organising children's theatre activities all across the country.

"Ten member troupes of the organisation from Dhaka and 70 from other parts of Bangladesh are participating in the festival. Besides member troupes of People's Theatre Association, Pratibandhi Shishu Dal and Mostafa Monwar's puppet troupe will stage shows at the festival. Each day, five theatre performances will be staged. Renowned theatre activists of the country will attend the shows to encourage the upcoming actors."

Lucky said, "Children will stage plays written by Rabindranath Tagore, Shukumar Roy and contemporary dramatists. On the closing day on June 28, best actors from each of the children's troupes will be awarded the Manchakunri padak. Moreover, best awards in different aspects of children's theatre including best playwright, best theatre director, best theatre troupe and best organiser will be declared. In addition the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given for outstanding contribution in the field of children's theatre."