A pioneering theatre activist will aid technical crew

Al Mamun. PHOTO: STAR

Al Mansur says, "I have returned with a big project. Our TV programmes are technically backward compared to the programmes of developed nations. I have brought with me a high-tech camera, sound system, light system and editing panel. I aspire to train the selected young talents in direction, cinematography and editing using these high-tech tools. I have already started sharing my working experience in USA with seven selected technical crew. It is the part of orientation before beginning new TV programmes.

"I joined BTV as a producer in 1980 and worked till 1989. Later, I underwent training in the USA and made programmes there. While watching Bangladeshi programmes on satellite channels, I felt that I could help the young makers to make technically sound programmes."

Al Mansur has made a great impact on the post-Liberation War theatre movement in Bangladesh by introducing the neo-theatre movement. To quote Mansur, "Just after Liberation there were a few theatre troupes, which staged occasional plays in Bangladesh. At the end of 1972, at the fresher's reception for the students of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Dhaka University, I organised a 30-minute play at the Teachers Students Centre (TSC) auditorium. I was the playwright, director and also acted in the play. Pioneering light technician of the country, Siraj, helped me immensely during the production. He developed a manual dimmer for the light operation.

"M Hamid, a student activist during those days offered to help us arrange hall-based drama competitions. Later, students of nine dormitories staged nine plays in the competition in 1973. I was the playwright as well as the director of one of the participating plays, which was staged by the students of SM Hall. Later, we organised Natyachakra, a theatre troupe under his guidance. And most of the activists of the then Natyachakra, such as M Hamid, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Selim Al Deen, Abdul Quader, Khairul Alam Shobuj and others are prominent theatre personalities of the country.

"In 1974 we formed Dhaka Theatre. I am the playwright of Biday Monalisa, which is a Dhaka Theatre production. The last stage play in which I performed is Muntasir Fantasy. Moreover, my play Hey Jonota Arekbar was staged at the then Racecourse Ground, at the council of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, which had an audience turnout of over 20,000," adds Mansur.