Street theatre sheds light on the exploitation of people and raises awareness against injustice, said speakers at a programme organised by theatre troupe BotTala on Thursday.
The programme titled ‘BotTala’r Alap: BotTala’r Natak Pathe-y Net-e Sachetanayane’ was held at the Seminar Hall of the National Theatre at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. It featured a discussion on the book titled BotTala’r Natak Pathe-y Net-e Sachetanayane. It contains 19 plays written by Evan Riaz, Kazi Roksana Ruma, Nazifa Tasnim Khanam Tisha, Nongor Rasel, Bratto Amin, Samina Lutfa Nitra, Soumya Sarker and Shamima Shawket.
Jahangirnagar University economics department professor Anu Muhammad; teacher, writer and cultural activist Syeda Tanzeena Imam; writer, director and actor Liza Asma Akhter; actor-director Jayita Mahalanobish; Bangladesh Path Natok Parishad president Mizanur Rahman and editor of BotTala’r Natak Pathe-y Net-e Sachetanayane playwright and actor Samina Lutfa Nitra were present as discussants at the programme, which was moderated by theatre activist Kazi Roksana Ruma and presided over by Mizanur Rahman.
Anu Muhammad said that BotTala had been staging plays in the street and indoor venue addressing society, politics, nature, women, children and labour issues.
Syeda Tanzeena Imam said that the book contained plays that were staged in the street during different movements.
Liza Asma Akhter said that cultural activists should address common people and nature.
Jayita Mahalanobish said that street plays had been highlighting contemporary issues.
Mizanur Rahman said that theatre activists should raise awareness of common people’s issues otherwise theatre productions would not be accepted by the majority in the country. Samina Lutfa Nitra said that it was difficult for cultural activists to remain neutral when they witnessed injustice.
‘We have to stand beside the victims. We hope that this drama collection will help theatre activists who want to produce and act in street plays,’ said Samina Lutfa Nitra.
