Entertainment Report :
Stopping the performance of ‘Nityapurana’ drama of ‘Desh Natok’
at Shilpakala Academy, attack on the protest meeting of drama activists – all in all there is unrest in theatre arena.
Bangladesh Shilpala Academy’s Director General Syed Jameel Ahmed has requested noted dramatist Mamunur Rashid to temporarily stay away from performing on the stage of Shilpakala.
Mamunur Rashid expressed his anger at such a request. While talking in this regard, Mamunur Rashid told this correspondent, “Mr DG of Shilpakala Academy personally informed me that I should not act in Shilpakala. The 200th stage of play ‘Rarang’ has been held. Now I am being told that I should not act in this drama, as the reason, he told about a statement given by 24 prominent people during the students’ movement. But recently I acted in the play ‘Mayur Singhason’ at Shilpakala Academy, I also acted on the stage of the Mahila Samity Auditorium, there was no problem. Where is the disadvantage of Shilpakala Academy? Of course there is a place in the difficulty. The reason is that they closed ‘Nityapurana’, and then attacked me in its protest meeting. The next day we had a show, but we were forced to stop it, since then these words started, if I act then I will be attacked.”
Regarding Mamunur Rashid’s refusal to act in Shilpakala, DG of Shilpakala Academy, Syed Jamil Ahmed said, “I called Mamunur Rashid myself and asked him to show the drama ‘Rarang’. This play needs to be done. He played a small role in this drama. I requested him, if that character can be given to someone else. Because, since you said something about Razakar during the movement, people are angry and suffering about it. If you go there, people’s pain will increase, so if the play is possible without you, you see it.”
Mamunur Rashid expressed his anger at such a request not to act on stage, “Can’t I act! I have no crime, but I am asked to act. 24 prominent people made statements with Razakar’s slogan, my name was there. Is there a crime in that statement? It is being said now, you speak. Can’t say that? Such a time has come in this Bangladesh, let art-literature and culture close down. We have informed our decision, we will not do play ‘Rarang’, and we will not also do the play ‘Company’. Let’s go as long as this system lasts.”
