Nagorik Natyangan weeklong drama festival begins today

A scene from Habuchandra Gabuchandra

Nagorik Natyangan productions are Habuchandra Gabuchandra, Janotar Rangashala, Golmatha Chokhamatha and Ami Birangana Bolchi. The latter is a solo performance by Lucky Inam. The Centre for Asian Theatre (CAT) presents their latest production Brand in the festival. Abhash will stage three plays--Shikarokti, Char Adhyay and Apurba Golap.

The chief guest is acclaimed journalist Obayedul Haque while Manzur-e- Moula and Syed Manzur Elahi are the special guests in the inauguration programme. The group honours eight cultural personalities in the opening day. For their contribution in translation of foreign plays Kabir Chawdhury, Syed Ahmed, Syed Shamsul Haque, Aly Zaker and Abdus Selim will be accorded a reception. For direction the group will honour Ataur Rahman and Nasiruddin Yousuff while Rafiqun Nabi will be honoured for his contribution to art.

After the reception ceremony, Nagorik Natyangan stages Habuchandra Gabuchandra at the National Theatre Stage today.

Habuchandra Gabuchandra is a patha natak (street play) written and directed by Mahmudul Islam Selim. For the first time Nagork presents it as a full-fledged stage play on a proscenium arch stage. Habuchandra Gabuchandra is a satire on the rulers' careless and oppressive attitude to the public.

So look forward to a busy week as a feast of plays unveils today.