A capacity auditorium of Mymensingh Gymnasium was enthralled at a vibrant cultural show held Thursday evening. Mymensingh district administration organised the programme, marking a development fair.
The artistes of Mymensingh Zila Shilpakla Academy performed in several dance sequences, directed by Manash Talukder. Artistes of different cultural groups and bauls of the town also rendered songs at the programme.
The most enjoyable part of the programme was a rare pala, “Joytun Bibi”. Artistes of Onnesha Theatre performed the pala, the fifth staging of it.
Adapted and directed by eminent palakar Sayik Siddiquee, the highly-appreciated pala was based on the folklore of Kishoreganj. The pala, written in local dialect, amused the audience.
Sayik Siddiquee also played the lead role of palakar. The other cast members of the pala were Samiul Haque Akash, Monir Hossain Jibon, Moniruzzaman, Sadi Shuvo, Tushar, Amjad Shrabon and Amol Krishna Sheel.
“'Joytun Bibi' is one of many palas that has also historic values as they depict the socio-economic and cultural condition of society of that time. But due to lack of proper preservation, many valuable folk elements of this region are on the verge of extinction,” said Shahadat Hossain Khan Hilu, secretary of Bahurupi Natya Sangstha.
Earlier, Subir Kishore Chowdhury, Secretary of the Information and Communications Technology Ministry, inaugurated the fair as chief guest.
Mymensingh DC GM Saleh Uddin, district chairman Yusuf Khan Pathan and deputy commissioner of Mymensingh Md. Khalilur Rahman were present at the programme, among others.
