“Pussy Cat and a Real Man” satires corrupted individuals of the society. Photo: Jamil Mahmud

Featuring six plays directed by one of the veteran theatre activists, Lucky Enam, a six-day theatre festival has begun at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Enam's troupe Nagarik Natyangan in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the festival that celebrates the 60th birthday of the seasoned actor-director as well as marks her four-decade long career in theatre.
On the opening day Nagarik Natyangan staged the Arthur Miller satire “Pussy Cat and a Real Man”.
Talking about her goals, Enam said, “I want to continue my journey in theatre till my last breath. I want to shed light on the darker side of the society through theatre activism.”
Enam's colleagues and fellow activists greeted her and held a discussion on her life and work at the beginning of the festival. The programme was presided over by the convener of the festival committee, Ataur Rahman. Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy was the chief guest. Nasiruddin Yousuff, president of Shammilita Sangskritik Jote, and Dr. Enamul Haq, president of Nagarik, spoke as special guests.
Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, formally inaugurated the event, while 30 underprivileged children lit candles at the opening.
Proiti Haq translated the Arthur Miller play into Bangla, with the title “Pussy Biral Ebong Ekjon Prokrito Manush”. Through the shenanigans of a pet cat, the play satires corrupt individuals in the society. The cat, named Tom Thomas, aspires to be the city mayor, as it is aware of the misdeeds of senior officials. It also looks for an ethically motivated person who is worthy to occupy the post of city mayor.
Shazu Khadem played the role of the cat; he also designed the set. Sazzad Reza, Ferdausi Riya, Kanta Zaman, Habib Bahar, Pralay Zaman, Jubayer Hillol and Noman Sharif played other roles. The seemingly big budget production was jazzed up with some group dance by actors.
Today, “Pragoitihashik” will be staged at the National Theatre Hall. Apart from staging of plays, the festival also highlights a photo and poster exhibition featuring images of plays and off-stage activities.