Munshiganj district Shilpakala Academy stages 71 Juddha Gatha in the festival. ­— Snigdha Zaman

Leading theatre actors-directors of the country appreciate the potentials of the young practitioners’ creative endeavours of interpreting the glorious war of independence in 1971 through theatre performances.
 Hundreds of young theatre activists, mostly college students, from across the country are staging over 70 plays on the war at the ongoing National Theatre Festival organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in association with Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.
Moreover, the festival features 23 productions of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation members.
After each show, seasoned theatre activists make comments on the performances of the freshers at the different venues.
Many of the artistes are just beginners, however, acting with full zeal, observe the seasoned theatre activists of the country.
Evaluating the skill of the young theatre activists from different corners of the country leading theatre actor-director Ataur Rahman said, ‘I was really excited to watch the performance of the troupes and I believe they have done great job.  Ataur Rahman watched shows at the Experimental Theatre Hall on the opening day.
Another seasoned actor-director Lucky Enam liked the simplicity of the productions performed by the college students.
Sharing her experience after watching Chhoy December, staged by Meherpur Government College at the National Theatre Hall on the opening day of the festival, said, ‘The artistes did very well, despite limited support they got in the district towns.’
‘I really liked their devotion for theatre. They will do even better, if they get chance to nurture their talent. Now it’s our responsibility to train them. Government and cultural organisations should take this issue seriously. The initiative is in fact a good talent hunt programme. So there should also be training scope for the potentials,’ Lucky Enam told New Age.
Seasoned activist Shankar Saojal, who is not very regular these days in theatre, however, came to watch performances at the festival.   ‘I was amazed by the presentation of Bijoyer Prantey, staged by Government Rajendra College from Faridpur at National Music and Dance Centre. They did really well in terms of acting and presentation,’ Saojal told New Age.
‘I can specially mention Tajuddin Taju’s name. He was just brilliant,’ added Saojal.
Supplementing Shankar Saojal, presidium member of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Syed Dulal said, ‘I’m sure that they have bright future and we should help them reach the goal.’
Syed Dulal watched Birpala staged by Bhola Government College on July 02 as chief guest.
Ishrat Nishat, on the other hand, suggested young activists to continue practice with dedication.
The dedicated activists from district Shilpakala academies and colleges from across the country staged five plays on Tuesday.
Govt Braja Lal College from Khulna staged  Shiromonir Tank Juddho Atopar at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
Govt. Bangabandhu University College from Gopalgang and Moulvibazar Govt College respectively staged Bandhu Nayem K Khola Chithi and Fashurey at Studio Theatre Hall.
Tesra April 1971 and Sandher Surja were staged respectively by Chandpur Govt College and Begum Kamrunnesa Degree College from Lalmonirhut at National Music and Dance Centre.  
Moreover, Dhaka Metropalitan Police Natya Dal staged Rajarbag 71 at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation member Tirjak Natya Gosthi staged Nananpurer Melai Ekjan Kamola Sundari O Ekti Bagh Ashe at the National Theater Hall.