The government will take necessary initiatives to revive the lost tradition and popularity of Jatrapala and Circus, the country’s traditional performing arts. Beyond artists and crew members, musical instrument players, entrepreneurs, organisers, and various small traders centred around fairs are also associated with this industry.
Consequently, alongside preserving the nation’s cultural heritage, the livelihoods and employment of many people are linked to the development of Jatrapala and Circus.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury, minister for cultural affairs, said this on Wednesday 11 November while speaking as the chief guest at a day-long workshop titled ‘Performance Art: Circus and Jatrapala’ held at the seminar room of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
State minister for cultural affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, information and culture adviser on policy and strategy to the prime minister Zahed Ur Rahman and Ministry of Cultural Affairs secretary Yasmin Begum, attended the workshop as special guests.
The minister said Jatrapala troupes were once established through commercial initiatives in various regions of the country, making Jatrapala and Circus primary sources of entertainment for rural Bangladesh, according to a press release.
However, with changing times, the expansion of social media, and the emergence of multidimensional entertainment options, public interest in these arts has declined.
Moreover, vulgar presentations and dance additions in some Jatrapala shows have restricted opportunities to enjoy the art form in family settings. To overcome this situation,he called upon everyone concerned to come forward in practicing life oriented, struggle focused, socially conscious, and quality Jatrapala and Circus performances.
Speaking at the workshop, state minister for cultural affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, said the government will take all possible measures to revive traditional performing arts like Jatrapala and Circus.
He announced plans to organise cultural festivals simultaneously across all districts of the country in December. To ensure positive and creative participation in these festivals, he called upon the attending representatives of Jatrapala and Circus troupes to submit specific proposals within the next five days.
Zahed Ur Rahman, information and culture adviser on policy and strategy to the prime minister, said the government is working to ensure healthy and quality entertainment for all. He proposed establishing a special cell by assigning focal point responsibilities to an official of the ministry to identify and resolve existing hurdles in organising Jatrapala and Circus events, allowing organisers to contact them directly if complexities regarding permissions arise.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum, said Jatrapala and Circus must be modernised to remain contemporary. She emphasised ensuring tasteful, creative, and story driven performances so that family members of all age groups can enjoy these events together.
The workshop was moderated by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy director general Harun Ar Rashid . A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by Department of Theatre and Performance Studies chairman at Dhaka University Shahman Shahriar.
Representatives from 35 renowned Jatrapala troupes and 12 Circus troupes from different parts of the country participated in the workshop, discussing their experiences, problems, prospects, and future course of action.
It was expected that the workshop would play a significant role in identifying crises, exploring potential, and formulating an effective action plan for the sustainable development of the country’s traditional Jatrapala and Circus industry.
