Aaranyak Theatre organised a commemorative lecture and a theatrical programme on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of renowned playwright Mannan Hira. The event took place at the seminar hall of the National Theatre in the capital.
The programme was chaired by veteran theatre personality and Aaranyak founder Mamunur Rashid. He said Mannan Hira possessed an extraordinary and profound perspective on human life and society. According to Rashid, Hira’s acclaimed plays Ebong Vidyasagar, Mayur Singhasan and Khelakhela, written against the backdrop of the collapse of the Soviet Union, reflected that vision.
He also noted that Hira’s solo play Lal Jomin received widespread acclaim both at home and abroad. The production, featuring Momena Chowdhury, earned particular appreciation from audiences.
Mamunur Rashid also highlighted Mannan Hira’s significant contribution to the development of street theatre in Bangladesh. He said the playwright successfully combined artistic sensibility with social awareness through the medium.
Harun Rashid, General Secretary of Aaranyak Theatre, conducted the commemorative programme.
Professor Yusuf Hasan Arko of the Department of Drama and Dramatics at Jahangirnagar University delivered the memorial lecture titled Nikesh-Karcha of Bangladeshi Academicians in the Modernisation of Theatre Practice.
Since Mannan Hira’s death, Aaranyak Theatre has organised an annual memorial lecture on his birth anniversary. This year’s programme marked the fifth edition of the event.
