The inauguration ceremony of the 14th edition of National Children’s Drama and Cultural Festival has been organized at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. A total of 95 children theatre troupes from across the country will take part in this nine-day event.
Arranged by People’s Theatre Association (PTA), in association with BSA, the festival will be simultaneously taking place at the National Theatre Hall, Experimental Theatre Hall, Studio Theatre Hall, National Music and Dance auditorium and open premises of BSA.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader is scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony as chief guest today, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, veteran artist Mostafa Monwar, renowned thespian Ramendu Majumdar, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation General Secretary Kamal Bayazid were present as special guests.
The programme began with the rendition of the festival song titled ‘Amra Sobai Moncha Kori, Noto Nandane Phutbo’ by the child artistes of BSA.
A number of 10,000 child artistes from 64 districts will participate in the festival. They will stage a total of 94 theatrical plays. The festival will also feature dance, recitation, drawing, the Historic 7th March Speech, acrobatic show, and also performances by the specially-abled children.
On the opening day, People’s Little Theatre (Dhaka), Badhanhara Theatre School (Narshindi), Bibortan (Jessore) and Bandhu Mahal Shilpi Sangstha staged their plays at the National Theatre Hall of BSA. Every day, child artistes from nine districts will present 85 performances at the eight venues of BSA.
Besides, Bangabandhu Pushpa Kanon will be set up beside the open space of National Music and Dance Centre of BSA.
BSA also has arranged film screening, film workshop, theatre workshop, puppet show, magic show for the participating child artistes.
The festival will come to an end on September 28 through the birthday celebration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. ‘Tanay Shishu Natya Padak’ will be conferred on the closing day of the festival.