Chattogram-based theatre group Gonayon Natyosomproday, established in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the group is organizing a seven-day theatre festival called Gonayon Natyoutshob, scheduled to commence on October 10 at the District Shilpakala Academy in Chattogram.
With the theme “Srijone Gaurabe Ongikare Shilpito Chetonay Gonayon” (Celebrating creation, pride, and commitment to artistic consciousness), the festival will run until October 16, featuring nightly performances of plays at 7:00 pm. Throughout the event, a total of six plays will be showcased.
The festival will kick off on October 10 and 11 with “Julius Caesar,” a production by Gonayon Natyosomproday. This play portrays the story of “Julius Caesar,” the Roman leader who transitioned Rome from a democracy to a dictatorship. Written by William Shakespeare, the play has been translated by M Saiful Alam Chowdhury and directed by Aseem Das.
On October 12, Nandimukh Natyodal will present “Amar Ami,” a play based on the life of Binodini Dasi, a renowned Bengali stage actress. The production delves into her emotional challenges and draws inspiration from her autobiographical works “Amar Khata,” “Amar Kotha,” and “Amar Abhinetri Jibon.” It is directed by Aseem Das.
Gonayon Natyosomproday will return on October 13 with “Komola Sundarir Kissa,” a tragic narrative set around a large pond near the Someshwari River in Netrakona. The play is directed by Bappa Chowdhury.
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Chittagong will showcase “Tini Aschen” on October 14, adapted from Eugène Ionesco’s “The Leader,” translated by M Saiful Alam Chowdhury and directed by Mamunul Haque.
October 15 will feature Kathasundor Natyodal’s performance of “Britt-er Baire,” inspired by Santosh Chakraborty’s play “Thikana” and directed by Kuntal Barua. The festival will conclude on October 16 with a rendition of Valmiki Pratibha, a classic by Tagore, presented by Fame Natyodal and directed by Tilottoma Sengupta.