The whole world is at a standstill because of the coronavirus. Panic anxiety is a daily companion.
Now the various activities of the country like the rest of the world are gradually becoming normal. This time stage theatre, one of the mediums of the cultural arena, is joining the tide.
Natak Sarani (Bailey Road) Theater Hall Mahila Samiti will be reopened on 28 August. The single drama ‘Lal Jomin’ will be staged at Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium at 7.15 pm.
Produced by Shunyan Repertory, the play is written by Mannan Hira and directed by Sudip Chakraborty. Momena Chowdhury is acting solo in it.
It is known that Momena Chowdhury herself has taken the initiative of drama exhibition. She says it will be in compliance with hygiene rules.
Her comment, “Now everything from garments, offices to markets and bazaars is open, then why not the theatre? I also shot a few television dramas myself. That is why this initiative has been taken.”
It is learned that the Mahila Samiti auditorium will be completely disinfected and visitors will be admitted after measuring their body temperature. Also the mask of the spectators has been made compulsory. The entire program will be conducted in full compliance with the health rules given by the government.
Asked if any government permission was required for the play, Momena Chowdhury said, “The government is slowly opening everything up. However, it is imposing conditions to follow the hygiene rules. We are staging accordingly.
I think now is not the time to sit at home. We have to live with Corona for a long time. So now we have to be accustomed to normal life. If people from all other professions go back to work, why can’t the people on stage go back!”
Meanwhile, on August 15, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organized a day of mourning in accordance with the hygiene rules. The academy has not yet been unlocked for the stage teams.
Many have also demanded the opening of auditoriums across the country, including the National Theater. However, no decision has been taken yet to open the theater, said Shilpakala Academy officials.
“Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is a government institution. They don’t have to look at the economic side. But in many such auditoriums, including the Mahila Samiti, the workers have to be paid.
The condition of the people on the stage is not good either. When I put the proposal to the Mahila Samiti, they agreed.
That means they were also preparing to open the hall. It should be kept in mind that besides creativity, the human side is also involved here,” added Momena Chowdhury.
Due to the Corona situation, the Bangladesh Group Theater Federation announced the closure of drama exhibitions across the country from March 16.
