August 18 marks the 75th birth anniversary of Selim Al Deen, a highly respected name in Bangladeshi theater. Born on August 18, 1949, in Shenerkhil village of Feni, Selim Al Deen, also known as Natyacharya, revolutionized Bengali theater with his innovative writing and performance techniques.
Selim Al Deen’s work transformed traditional Bengali drama. He explored the roots of Bengali theater and introduced new styles and methods. His contributions to playwriting are still celebrated today.
To honour his memory, the theater group Swapnadal has organized a special event. The event, titled "Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Birth Anniversary 2024," is being held this year. Due to venue closures, the celebration will be more modest. The traditional procession and flower offerings will be scaled down.
The event started at 10am at Jahangirnagar University with a memorial procession and flower tribute at Selim Al Deen’s grave. In the evening, an online discussion and webinar will be held on Facebook Live at 9pm. The webinar will focus on Selim Al Deen's life, work, and ideas, with a special presentation by Zahid Repon from Swapnadal. Professor Rashid Harun from Jahangirnagar University will preside over the event. Other speakers include Islam Shafiq, Ali Hasan, and Fazle Rabbi Sukorno, while Juena Shabnam will moderate the session.
Swapnadal will also stage a special performance of their play "Hargaj," directed by Zahid Repon. This play reflects the modern style of Bengali theater that Selim Al Deen pioneered.
Selim Al Deen was known for his epic realism and use of folklore in his plays. Although he began his career as a copywriter, he later became a lecturer and founding chairman of the Drama and Dramatics Department at Jahangirnagar University. He passed away on January 14, 2008, and was buried on the university campus, where his legacy continues to inspire.
