Natyakendra stages Aroj Charitamrita at the Experimental Theatre Hall on Sunday.– Snigdha Zaman

Chittagong based troupe Tirjak Natya Dal staged Madhumala at the National Theatre Hall while Natyakendra staged Aroj Charitamrita at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Sunday, the fourth-day of the theatre festival organised by Padatik.
Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC) has organised the commemorative theatre festival for the third consecutive time titled Syed Badruddin Hossain Smrity Natya Utsab O Smrak Sammanana, in memory of the late president of the organisation Syed Badruddin Hossain. This year 12 troupes- eight troupes based in the capital city, one visiting troupe from India and three regional troupes- are staging plays at the six-day festival.
Written by the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, popular production of the troupe Madhumala is directed by Ahmed Iqbal Haider.
The narrative zooms on a love story between Madhumala, the princess of Swandip, and the prince of Krishnonagor, which does not, however, have any happy ending.
In the 98th show of the play, Lucky Amin, Shaila Sharmin, Mahbubul Islam Rajib, Ripan Barua, Ahmed Iqbal Haider and other performed in the different characters of the play.
Ahmed Iqbal Haider is also credited with set and light design of the play.
One of the audience Suzana Alim from Mohamamdpur, said, ‘I enjoyed fabulous acting while presenting a fable by the regional troupe.’
Another audience, Abu Tareq, a private service holder, said ‘The play has nicely incorporated reality, myth and fantasy.’
Natyakendra staged the 54th show of Araj Charitammrita, which depicts the biography of the self-taught philosopher Aroj Ali Matubbar.
Written by Masum Reza and directed by Tariq Anam Khan, the narrative features life, sufferings and the pains the self–taught philosopher had to endure for proclaiming his beliefs.
Obid Rehan enacted the role of the protagonist Aroj Ali.  Sangeeta Chowdhury, Lucy Tripti Gomez, Noman Ahmed, Monami Islam Kanak, Jhuna Chowdhury and others performed in the play, which amazed the houseful audience on Sunday.
Golam Mustafa, an audience, told New Age ‘Actually I came here to watch the presentation of my one of the most favourite personalities Aroj Ali Matubbar in a theatre performance. And I’m satisfied by their comprehensive performance.’
The festival is sponsored by Citycell and AB Bank and co-sponsored by Ruchi. Daily New Age, Sambad, ABC radio and Boishakhi TV are the media partners of the festival.