In a heartfelt tribute to the recently deceased playwright and actor Manoj Mitra, IUB Theatre staged two shows of his political satire “Narok Gulzar” on November 20 and 23, at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and Daffodil International University (DIU), respectively. 

This was the 22nd production of IUB Theatre, an active student club of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). “Narok Gulzar” was directed by Shamim Sagar and co-directed by Saiful Islam.

The first show was staged at the IUB auditorium on November 20, days after the death of acclaimed playwright and actor Manoj Mitra, who passed away on November 12. The second performance took place at DIU as part of the Tarar Chaturdoshi Theatre Festival 2024, organized by All Stars Daffodil.

Manoj Mitra was a renowned actor and playwright for stage, film, and television. He was born on December 22, 1938, in Dhulihar, Satkhira, Bangladesh. He began his theatre career in Kolkata, India, in 1957 and debuted in films in 1979. Before serving as the head of the Department of Drama at Rabindra Bharati University, he taught philosophy at the college level.

Momtaz Parvin, Lecturer of Media and Communication at IUB and Coordinator of IUB Theatre, said, “Manoj Mitra’s plays are as much literature as they are theatre. His dialogue is masterfully crafted, embodying both dramatic and literary qualities. The poetic expressions in his dialogue, especially in historical and mythological plays, bring contemporary relevance that only Manoj Mitra could achieve.”

Director Shamim Sagar added, “The play’s satirical take on socioeconomic and political issues is remarkable. As a director, I focused on making sure the audience appreciated the humor while grasping the underlying messages in the play.”

The cast of “Narok Gulzar” featured a group of talented student actors of IUB, including Md. Basitullah Khan, Anika Bushra Shoshi, Abdullah Al Mahin Siam, Md. Tauhidul Islam, Jeba Tahsin, Rishad Hasan Promit, SM Shakil Amin, Omar Khubain Jahin, Nur-A Muktadir Azmir, Mst. Sadia Afrin Aorna, Ashraful Karim Chowdhury, Samia Reza Maisha, Kiran Sarker Jui, Nusrat Jahan Leon, Sukanya Salsabil Khan, and Anika Fyruse. Production management was handled by Sowhardra Paul.

Through an innovative, fusion-driven portrayal of heaven and hell, meticulous direction, and dynamic performances by IUB Theatre members, the production captivated the audience.

BDST: 1448 HRS, NOV 26, 2024
MSK