A new cultural initiative titled ‘Theatre Er Gaan’ will be launched in Dhaka on June 18 by Gai Banglar Gaan Parishad, with organisers aiming to promote secular Bengali culture, the spirit of the Liberation War and opposition to religious extremism through a blend of theatre and music.
The inaugural event will take place at 7 pm at the Vintage Convention Hall in Dhanmondi 27 and will feature a performance by leading theatre troupe ‘Aranyak’.
According to organisers, the initiative seeks to introduce younger audiences to the traditions, struggles and artistic heritage of Bengali culture through a combination of music and drama. Rather than being a conventional musical programme, the event has been designed as a theatrical performance centred on songs from stage productions and street theatre.
Alongside musical performances, audiences will experience dramatic atmospheres, narration and selected dialogue intended to create a distinctive theatrical and musical presentation.
For the opening edition, Aranyak will explore the roots, struggles and contemporary relevance of theatre music through performances drawn from a number of its productions. Songs from ‘Raarang’, ‘Sankranti’, ‘Mayur Singhasan’, ‘Joyjoyonti’, ‘Pathor’, ‘The Jubilee Hotel’, ‘Ghumer Manush’, ‘Murkho Loker Murkho Kotha’ and ‘Aguner Jabanbandi’ are among those scheduled to be featured.
Aranyak Training Secretary Apu Mehdi said the troupe would present songs from both stage theatre and street theatre productions.
“We will perform songs from both stage theatre and street theatre traditions. However, it will not be limited to singing alone. By combining dramatic expression, dialogue and atmosphere, we aim to create a complete theatrical environment. We hope audiences will witness a different kind of experience,” he said.
Fazlul Kabir Tuhin of Gai Banglar Gaan Parishad said the initiative reflects an ongoing cultural struggle for secular values and the ideals of the Liberation War.
“The struggle against extremism and for a secular cultural practice rooted in the spirit of the Liberation War is reflected in ‘Theatre Songs’. Audience participation will be what makes this initiative successful and meaningful,” he said.
Organisers of ‘Theatre Er Gaan’ expressed hope that the combination of theatre and music would offer cultural audiences a unique and engaging experience while helping preserve and promote Bengali artistic traditions.
