By Ershad Kamol - The Daily Star - Dhaka, BangladeshWednesday, July 18, 2007
As part of the ongoing Citycell-Mahakal Theatre Festival '07, arranged by Theatre Troupe Mahakal Natyasampradaya to mark its 24th anniversary, Prachyanat* will stage Koinna today [July 18th] at the Experimental Stage.
Koinna, a play by Murad Khan, brings to light a debate between Shariah and Marfat.
Inhabitants of a make-believe village, Kalaruka, believe that the spirit 'Koinna Pir' has possessed a widower, Naior. The villagers are also convinced that Bahurupi, the inseparable companion of Koinna Pir, lives in the pond near Naior's house.
Kalaruka residents are followers of Marfat (a branch of Sufism) and consider Naior as their saviour. On the other hand, Shahebzada and his followers, who are the followers of Shariah, strongly oppose the existence of Koinna Pir.
The play ends with a conflict between the two rival groups.
Azad Abul Kalam is the director of the play. M. Shaiful Islam is the set and light designer.
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On the inaugural ceremony [July 14th] of the Citycell-Mahakal Theatre Festival '07, arranged by Mahakal Natyasampradaya to celebrate its 24th anniversary, discussants urged for a change in the contemporary theatre scenario of Bangladesh.
Eminent playwright-litterateur Syed Shamsul Haque was the chief guest at the inaugural session, which was held yesterday at the Experimental Theatre Stage. Other renowned theatre personalities speaking at the programme were Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Tariq Anam Khan and Golam Kuddus.
The session was presided over by MA Azad, president of Mahakal Natyasampradaya. Meer Zahid Hassan, convenor of the festival committee delivered the welcome speech.
Reviewing the current theatre scenario of the country theatre director-actor-playwright Tariq Anam said, "It's true that some new theatre venues have been operating in the country, but how many quality productions we are offering and how many people are watching those plays? Unless the participation of the younger generation as theatre activists as well as audience is ensured we can't expect a boom in theatre."
Other cultural programmes held on the opening ceremony were a staging of a few scenes from Shikhondikatha by the actors of Mahakal and presentation of a srutinataok (recitation of a theatre performance) titled Hazar Churashir Maa, by the artistes of Katha Abritti Charcha Kendra.
Moreover, Chanu Gayener Dal from Manikganj performed Kalu Gazir Pala, an indigenous performing art form based production. In the evening Mahakal Natyasampradaya staged Shikhondikatha, written by Anon Zaman and directed by Haroonur Rashid. Shikhondikatha features the sufferings and struggles of the transgendered individuals.
The 11-day theatre festival continues till July 25 with a gap of two days. Other plays included in the festival are Bhager Manush, Shamayer Proyojoney, Koinna, Projapoti, Bou Bashonti, Rupoboti, Jalodash, Meraj Fakirer Maa, Nakshi Kanthar Math and Raarang.
http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/07/14/d707141401125.htm
*Prachyanat School of Acting and Design, an offshoot of the young theatre group Prachyanat.
[picture: Actors of Prachyanat in Koinna ]
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