Two of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s celebrated works will come together on stage in Melbourne, Australia, as part of a special cultural programme marking the 50th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet.
Titled Chironton: Amare Debo Na Bhulite, the programme will feature Nazrul’s musical play Jhilimili and dance-drama Kaberir Tire on 4 October at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong, Melbourne.
The event will run from 5pm to 7:30pm local time, corresponding to noon to 2:30pm Bangladesh time.
The organisers expect around 360 people to attend the programme.
Through theatre, music and dance, the event will highlight Nazrul’s messages of humanity, equality, justice and social harmony. It will begin with Shur O Banir Arghya, a special presentation featuring his poetry and songs.
The two works will then be staged together. According to the organisers, this will be the first time Jhilimili and Kaberir Tire have been presented on the same stage in Australia.
The programme aims to introduce Nazrul’s literary and musical diversity to a new generation through contemporary stage presentations.
Melbourne-based Nazrul Sangeet artiste and Nazrul researcher Adila Noor is overseeing the programme’s planning and creative direction. Artists from Bangladesh and Melbourne will take part in the event.
Theatre personality Brindaban Das will direct the theatrical productions, while Adila Noor will also handle the music direction. Melbourne-based Purbabi Chowdhury will direct the dance and choreography.
A commemorative publication will also be released to mark the occasion.
It will feature writings by prominent Bangladeshi Nazrul researchers, artistes and cultural figures, including singer and teacher Khairul Anam Shakil, Dhaka University music department chairperson Dr Priyanka Gop, singer and teacher Dr Lina Taposi Khan, Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen, academic and Rabindra Sangeet artiste Dr Chanchal Khan, and Chhayanaut singer and teacher Sharmin Sathi Moyna.
Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen will deliver the keynote address on Nazrul’s life, literature and philosophy.
Beyond commemorating the poet, the organisers say the programme aims to strengthen cultural ties between Bengali culture and Australia’s multicultural society.
Through literature, theatre, music and dance, the event will seek to bring Nazrul’s messages of equality, humanity and human dignity to younger audiences.
